First Poker Room Opens in Sarasota, Florida

Tom Bowersox, Director of Racing at the Sarasota Kennel Club is hopeful that the addition of a new poker room in the kennel club will usher in a new era for the racetrack.

One Eyed Jacks, the area's only poker room opens Friday, November 24th. Bowersox is already in the process of securing commitments from racing kennels beyond the usual closing date of April.

Under Florida law, a parimutuel track has to conduct live racing before it can offer card games to its patrons.

"Now that we are going to year-round racing, I think more kennel owners will be interested in coming here," Bowersox said. "We asked some of the kennels how they felt, and the response was pretty good."

The poker room features 24 gaming tables that offer 7 different types of poker. There are also 16 32-inch LCD televisions and self service betting machines for patrons who wish to bet on their favorite greyhounds.

"We'll try to put the customers on a pedestal," said Director of Poker Operations, Sam Minutello, a former Assistant Tournament Director for the world series of poker (WSOP). "We want them to feel like they're playing on TV in the World Series."

"The staff is excited. I think the customers have been patient waiting for it to happen," owner, Jack Collins Jr. said. "It's another way for us to provide the kind of full entertainment that is being offered throughout the state."

One Eyed Jacks will be open Monday-Saturday, opening at noon and closing at midnight. Sarasota Kennel Club is located at 5400 Old Bradenton Road and opens at 11:30 a.m.

December 12, 2006
Brian Nelson