Hot on the heels of yesterday’s remarkable first day opening of Pennsylvania’s Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, where all 1,100 slot machines were in play within 10 minutes, Florida’s first racino opens today. Gulfstream Park in Hallandale Beach obtained final approval on Tuesday and will open its doors today with 516 slot machines, ahead of the other three Broward County pari-mutuels granted operating licences.

The slot machines are Class III, unlike the less lucrative Class II gaming machines permitted at Florida’s tribal casinos. The Seminole Tribe is expected to apply to the legislature to upgrade to the Las Vegas-type machines, a move allowed under Indian gaming laws. The tribe’s Hollywood and Tampa operations will face further competition when the other pari-mutuels open their slots rooms. The Hollywood Greyhound Track, now named Mardi Gras Racetrack & Casino, is scheduled to open next month.

Gulfstream Park is opening now on the strength of interest already displayed by the public and is not awaiting the start of its advertising campaign. The new casino in Pennsylvania is open all day every day but in Florida the Gulfstream Park hours are Sunday to Thursday 9am – 1am; Friday and Saturday 11am – 3am. Even with shorter operating hours, the four pari-mutuels are expected to contribute US$209 million yearly to Florida education once they each have the permitted 1,500 slot machines. (E-11.15.06)

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