SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. -- A major gambling operation in Seminole County is closing its doors after nearly 50 years in business. The Orlando Jai-Alai in Fern Park will shut down in December, putting about 75 people out of work.

The owner told Eyewitness News that the property has been sold, but there is nothing in the property appraiser’s files to show that a sale has gone through. However, those employees said they have seen appraisers and surveyors on the property all week.

The owner broke the news to his 75 employees Thursday night. The place has been owned by the same family since it opened in 1961.

A manager said they just can’t stay afloat competing against other gambling facilities with more games and more tax breaks.

“It is a family situation, you know, this is not a corporate thing. It is sad to see the disappointment in his eyes when he had to tell us,” manager Howard Ostrom said.

The nearly $7 million property sits in the middle of an area Seminole County has been vigorously trying to restore. They bought out some of the strip clubs and talked about putting in a flyover.

Many wonder who bought or will buy the property. Eyewitness News found a new development review request that was submitted in the last two months in the property appraiser’s files, but that may not be connected to the Orlando Jai-Alai purchase.