Slots Approval Threatens Existence of Jai Alai in Florida

On October 4th, 2007, back then when South Florida was just developing and before it became one of the top tourist destinations in the United States, Jai Alai was as in demand as ever in the area. In 2007, the sport that began the gaming industry in South Florida could be one of the casualties of expanded casino gaming in the area.

Over twenty Jai Alai players gathered in front of the office of state House Speaker Marco Rubio in Miami and voiced their worries about Jai Alai going extinct. The Jai Alai players' plea for House Speaker, who is against casino gaming, is to keep fighting for what he personally believes and to not allow casino facilities destroy Jai-alai.

Lotteries and gaming casinos have attracted a lot of customers from spending in Jai-Alai frontons like Dania Jai-Alai. County voters in Dade County dismissed slot machines back in 2005 but with the issue back for another vote in January 2008 and is expected to pass this time, Jai Alai players fear that they are done for.

The state of Florida is the only state left in the U.S. that holds Jai Alai matches and even if the slot machines are passed this time, Miami is not contemplating on giving up Jai Alai.

Dan Licciardi, the vice president and general manager of Miami Jai Alai commented that Miami was the birthplace of Jai Alai since 1926 and they believe that it is an important part of their business. While the plan may be there to save the game, nothing will be determined until the slot machines are up and running.

Sunday, 21 October 2007
Cindy Alfonso