Poker rooms OK'd at greyhound track
Commissioners reverse their previous vote
By Thyrie Bland
tbland@pnj.com
Copyright © 2009 Pensacola News Journal
February 20, 2009

Supporters of a poker card room in Escambia County held the winning hand Thursday night.

The Escambia County Commission voted 3-2 to allow poker at Pensacola Greyhound Track, reversing a December vote.

"We didn't expect this outcome," said Rudy Wilson, the track's assistant general manager. "We were shocked, and we were blessed to get another shot at this. We were lucky."

District 5 Commissioner Kevin White, an opponent of the measure last time, proved to be the swing vote Thursday. Commissioners Gene Valentino and Grover Robinson IV also voted for the measure, just as they did in December.

White said he put the issue back on the commission's agenda because of the faltering economy and the probable loss of jobs at the financially troubled dog track.

"There is nothing here," White said at the meeting, referring to the county's employment picture. "There is nowhere for them go."

Robinson said he does not gamble and struggled with the vote. "Jobs at this time are jobs," Robinson said. "My vote is to move this forward."

Adding a card room is expected to eventually bring 150 jobs to the track.

It was an emotional vote for the commissioners and for those who packed commission chambers. Poker fans clearly outnumbered the anti-gambling crowd and cheered after the vote.

About 20 people wore T-shirts that read, "I Support Poker At Pensacola Greyhound Track." Some of the supporters went to a downtown bar to celebrate their victory.

"First and foremost, this was about saving jobs and creating them," said Gerald Alcott, director of racing at the track.

Late last year, the track was struggling financially and cut back to 35 employees. Live races were suspended and races at other dog tracks were shown on television monitors.

The track currently offers live races Friday nights, Saturday nights and afternoon and Sunday afternoon. The track currently employs 105 workers.

"This will bring some reassurance to the owners that at least we can continue the business," Wilson said. "Live racing just doesn't get it anymore."

Commissioners Marie Young and Wilson Robertson voted against poker at the track Thursday. They also voted against it last year.

Robertson said he had received e-mails from people about the issue and many of them were against the idea.

"We are obligated to vote our conscience, but it's the community's conscience," the District 1 commissioner said.