BestBet Jacksonville earned $6.1 million from its card room from July to November 2012, more than St. The company closed the dog track at its former Jacksonville site and features 70 poker tables at its new facility. “We’ve seen a strong growth pattern when it comes to poker,” says Michael Munz, spokesman for Jacksonville Greyhound Racing. The industry in northeast Florida still sees a future with poker rooms. “People are more apt to watch their money,” he says.

At two facilities, card room revenues were off by at least 30%.īrian Matthews, a manager at Ocala Jai Alai and Poker, says its 5% dip in card room revenue stems from the slow economic recovery. The card rooms at the five north Florida pari-mutuel facilities generated $23.7 million last fiscal year, according to data submitted to the state. In northeast Florida, however, card room revenue at most venues has lagged. Card room revenue at 21 of the state’s betting sites has risen nearly 9% from four years ago, while gambling revenue from greyhound racing declined 30% over the same period. Poker rooms have been a boon for the pari-mutuel industry statewide since the Legislature approved them in 1996. Source: Department of Business and Professional Regulation Through races at Orange Park Kennel Club. *Jacksonville Kennel Club reported revenue Racing: $14.4 million, down 55% from 2008-09Ĭard Room: $5 million, (no card room in August 2009)

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