Slot machines at Florida’s pari-mutuels in Broward County have been operating since 2006 but the Flagler Dog Track is the first racino to open in Dade County. Magic City Casino was launched yesterday morning and there were plenty of customers waiting to gain entry. The Havenick family have run the dog racing facility for generations and have been pushing for slot machines since 1978.

The new gaming floor has 700 latest Las Vegas style slot machines and there are around 500 new jobs at the facility. The cost of construction was around US$54 million but a huge one-acre hanger will be converted to house virtual gaming machines, recently approved by the Florida legislature. There are also plans to convert part of the grandstand to a 3,000-seat amphitheatre for live concerts by local musicians five nights a week and major recording artists on Saturdays.

Until construction is complete, dog racing will continue five days a week but with no live races on Mondays and Wednesdays. The Havenicks are excited that the slot machines are finally ringing at their facility after years of lobbying. Flagler already had a poker room and sports bar with big screens and simulcasting as well as live race betting. Voters in a local referendum gave three Miami-Dade pari-mutuels the go-ahead to add slot machines, two years after voters in Broward. (E-10.16.09)

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