The first gaming operation in America’s South, with a single riverboat casino in Biloxi, Isle of Capri Casinos was founded in 1992. The company now owns and operates 15 riverboat, dockside and land-based casinos at 13 locations plus the Pompano Park Harness Track in Florida. Yesterday it announced details of development plans for the Isle of Capri Racino at Pompano Park.

With a corporate mission to be the best, not the biggest, the company aims to offer a fun, friendly, tropical-themed environment and the US$140 million racino project includes its signature tropical- themed buffet. The centre of the development will be a multi-storey feature bar with high action imagery and audio on multiple video displays. The construction of new horseracing amenities with high tech sports bar and wagering area overlooking the track, grandstand seating and a new Winner’s Circle are not expected to disrupt the racing season.

The racino with 1,500 slot machines, poker room and four restaurants should be operational in less than 9 months, subject to all necessary licences and permits being granted. "Isle of Capri is pleased to be moving forward with our plans to transform Pompano Park from a great racetrack into a modern, state-of-the-art racino providing entertainment options for the residents of southeast Florida and much needed revenue for education in Florida," Tim Hinkley, president and chief operating officer, said.

Isle of Capri is licensed in Colorado, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and The Bahamas, where it operates in Lucaya, Grand Bahama. It also has two-thirds ownership interest in casinos in Dudley, Walsall and Wolverhampton in England with Blue Chip Casinos plc. Later this year the Isle of Capri Casino at the RICOH Arena in Coventry should open. This development has a 100,000 sq metres available and the project is bidding to get the UK’s first super casino licence. It is also bidding for a stand-alone slots parlour licence in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (E-05.09.06)

© Copyright 2006 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage