Gaming News

Florida County Allows Poker Room at Track

FLORIDA – As reported by the Tallahasese Democrat: "Start practicing your steely eyed stare: Poker is coming to the Jefferson County Kennel Club.

"The Jefferson County Commission unanimously approved a resolution Thursday night to allow a poker card room at the Monticello greyhound racing track.

"The 5-0 vote delighted longtime JCKC owner Steve Andris and brought vigorous applause from the majority of the 75 people who attended the public hearing.

"…Andris said he expected to have the card room open by March or April. His dog track finishes its annual season this month and is closed in November and December.

"…Legislation allowing card rooms at the state's 27 pari-mutuel facilities was passed by the Florida Legislature in 1996, though the Legislature left it to the counties to approve facilities in their counties.

"The original legislation limited games to maximum pots of $10. Pari-mutuel operators complained the pots were too small to allow poker's traditional betting strategies, and operators reported lackluster business at most card rooms.

"But in August, Gov. Jeb Bush signed legislation that allowed the poker games to have a $2 maximum bet. Business has since boomed at most card rooms, where pots now average $40 to $50.

"…Andris said he expected to start with 20 tables and would hire 45 to 50 people as dealers, waitresses and additional wagering personnel. Andris, who once employed 255 people, now has 70 employees…"

< Gaming News