Ocala Jai-Alai applies to open poker room

Florida -- Skeptical County Commission, state regulators must give approval

OCALA -A scaled back version of Las Vegas-style action may be in Marion County's future.

Ocala Jai Alai wants to parlay a planned poker room into a pot of gold, if the Marion County Commission and the state give approval.

The application for a card room license submitted by Ocala Breeders Sales Company Inc. - owner of the jai-alai fronton along County Road 318 in Orange Lake and its pari-mutuel license - and Second Chance Jai Alai, which leases and operates the facility, goes to the County Commission Tuesday.

If commissioners approve, the application would then go to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering.

Steve Gray, the attorney representing Second Chance Jai Alai, said the request is in order to expand the business' ability to make money beyond wagering on live jai alai during the two-month season and year-round simulcast betting on horse and dog races.

"It's a way to keep your license alive, because just operating as an intertrack wagering facility is pretty marginal," Gray said.

He said pari-mutuel facilities also took a hit from the pact Gov. Charlie Crist signed with the Seminole Indian Tribe, allowing tribe casinos to expand into slots and card games such as blackjack. Card game offerings at jai alai facilities and race tracks, on the other hand, are limited to poker.

Gray said when facilities with pari-mutuel licenses successfully obtain card room licenses, the Florida Legislature now allows card games all year. Previously, card room operation was limited to a facility's live jai-alai or racing season.

Florida Statute 849 limits card rooms to 12 hours a day. Bets may only increase in maximum increments of $5, with no more than three raises a round. For the popular Texas Hold 'em game, state law has no betting limit if the required player buy-in isn't more than $100.

County Commissioner Stan McClain said card games are not a major concern for him, but he plans to vote against the Ocala Jai Alai request.

"I'm against expanding gambling in Florida," McClain said. "So I'm going to say I'm not for any of it. That way, I don't have to say one day, this is where I draw the line. It's easier to be consistent."

Gray said if the county and state approve the card room, its opening would be several months away, but in less than a year.

News Added: 15 December, 2007

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