Orange Park Kennel Club to Benefit from Poker Card Room

On September 5th, 2007, Orange Park could receive from $50,000 to $200,000 aside from annual tax profits from a brand new poker room approved by the town council.

The exact amount of money will depend on the number of business that will be allowed at the Orange Park Kennel Club, according to town manager John Bowles. But he added that the community should receive a 25% share of the gross profits tax that the state receives from the poker room.

A member of the council called the council's decision wrong and said that the council should not allow the poker room for just $175,000 dollars, the total amount of money that the town expects to receive from the poker room.

The new poker room is expected to bring 135 new job opportunities to the town. The council approved the poker room in a three-two vote after the residents gave their testimony for two council meetings.

The commissioners of Clay County commented that they are not in favor of the gaming expansion in the state but a revision in the law meant that the racing track did not need to ask the county's permission.

Town Council member Steve Jones, who has been opposed to the proposal commented that he firmly believes that majority of the residents in the town are not in favor of the poker room and stated concerns regarding traffic volume and a possible rise in gaming addiction. He is wary that the approval of the poker room will result in the approval of the slot machines in the town in the near future.

Although the Town Council was not informed regarding the specific details of the poker room before they voted, comparisons were made to The Best Bet, which is a poker room at the St. John's Greyhound Park.

September 26, 2007
William Atkins