Special to The News-Press
Published by news-press.com on January 21, 2005
The Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track, trying to accommodate the growing popularity of poker, has remodeled its clubhouse, allocating more space for card games and simulcast wagering.
The track has recently reopened its third-floor clubhouse after a renovation project that includes an enlarged poker room with 24 tables, a revamped dining room area and the addition of a new large lounge area with large plasma televisions that cater to the simulcasting bettor.
The Bonita Springs facility, built in 1957, operated for over 35 years with its live greyhound racing format. Horse and greyhound simulcasting joined as a wagering option in 1991 and now the advent of live poker games is another option.
"We made a commitment to give our patrons everything in one area," said Larry Baldwin, the executive manger. "Today, you can visit the clubhouse and have dinner, play Texas Hold 'Em, or bet the horses from Santa Anita or watch the greyhounds live from your table or in the lounge area."
Clearly, simulcasting and poker games are strong attractions.
"If you follow and enjoy the horses, being able to bet on races from tracks from all over the country is a lot of fun, especially during the winter months," said Jim Nicholas of Manchester, N.H., visiting Southwest Florida with his wife, Judy, for three months.
Simulcasting is available daily and among the 12 tracks with races available is Gulfstream, Aqueduct in New York City, Fairgrounds from New Orleans and California's Santa Anita.
The real hit is the poker room, where crowds usually fill up the two dozen tables starting at 11:30 a.m. on a daily basis.
"This room is never quiet, it's busy from the time we open until midnight," said Cindy Fra, the room's manager.
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