The popularity of Texas Hold 'Em Poker has swept right into the Sarasota Kennel Club.
On Wednesday, the Sarasota County commissioners approved a resolution allowing poker rooms to be established at the facility.
More than 40 people attended the discussion before the board and wore yellow shirts in support of the card rooms.
The county commissioners unanimously approved the item, saying they wanted to support the Sarasota City Commission and realized the limited scope of the card room versus what had been perceived when the same issue was brought before them in January 2004.
The city commissioners approved the item 4-1 after receiving hundreds of e-mails in support of the card room that allows dog track visitors to play poker. Mayor Freddie Atkins voted against the idea.
Two years ago, there was a concern that the card room would bring a wave of casinos, gambling boats and other gambling operations to the county. Other tracks across the state have similar rooms.
Greg Colburn, the attorney representing the track, said the card room would increase revenue at the track and will not encourage any other gambling.
Ted Bogusz spoke in support of the idea, saying that for some people going to the beach is what they do; for others, going to the track and playing poker is their way of relaxing.
"There is nothing wrong with this," Bogusz said.
Commissioner Shannon Staub, who brought the motion, said there were a lot of misconceptions about the card rooms two years ago.
"I feel we should move forward," Staub said, adding that she recently visited a casino that had poker rooms and was impressed at how the process works.
Commissioner Paul Mercier said that if people want Texas Hold 'Em, let them have it.
The poker enthusiasts applauded the final approval of the new card rooms.
sourse : sun-herald.com.
