Poker Rooms Will Be Built at Pensacola

Pensacola: Poker rooms at the Pensacola Greyhound Track will be built, officials said. They just don't know when.

In February, the Escambia County Commission voted 3-2 to allow poker at the track in western Escambia County, but construction of poker facilities has not yet started, said track general manager Nick Schlikin.Schlikin said that since the Poarch Band of Creek Indians purchased controlling interest in the track earlier this year, a new corporation must be formed and approved by Florida gaming officials.

"Once that happens, we can start the renovation on the card room," Schlikin said. He gave no time estimate on when construction of the poker room would start.

The Poarch Creeks manage three gaming facilities in Alabama, including the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel in Atmore, Ala.

Leading up to the February vote, track officials said a poker room would create an additional 150 jobs for the track, which opened in 1946. The track currently offers live racing on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

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