Poker Gets Under Way in Ohio, Hancock Counties

West Virginia -- The dealers are ready, and the tables are calling.

WHEELING -- Friday is the big day for Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center, where table games will become a reality at 10 a.m. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is planned.

Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center General Manager Bob Marshall said they are ready, but he's not sure how quickly the poker tables will fill up with patrons.

Dealers were in the new poker room practicing Thusday night.

The new poker room consists of 20 state-of-the-art tables.

The celebration began early, and it was lively in one of the many banquet rooms, where the gaming center was hosting a party for hundreds of its best customers.

There was a real sense of anticipation in the room. and the crowd heavily favors the gaming expansion.

"I'm happy. I like table games, especially blackjack. That's my favorite! So when they get that one going, that's where you'll probably find me. It oughta be good!" said Nancy Offers of Newark, Ohio.

"I don't know if i'm gonna play table games or not. I might give it a try," said customer George Damico of Charleroi, Pa.

There were two parties going on at the gaming center.

The Chamber of Commerce was hosting its second annual Biz Fest, with six caterers among the 40 vendors.

Mountaineer Racetrack and Gaming Resort in Hancock County is scheduled to start poker at 4 p.m. Friday.

Both tracks will offer table gaming 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

WTRF Wheeling

News Added: 19 October, 2007

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