Orlando Jai-Alai Staying Open

A famous gambling and sports venue in Seminole County that was set to close in December is staying open. Orlando Jai-Alai is a landmark in Fern Park (see map) near Casselberry and it has been open for almost 50 years.

Eyewitness News learned that a new owner will keep the business going.

More than 70 employees at the Orlando-Seminole Jai-Alai haven't been told who is stepping in to take over the reigns of the decades-old betting facility. They've just been told a deal is being worked out with a new owner that will keep them at work.

“Most of our employees have been here more than 20 years. It's a family-run business,” CRA program manager Howard Ostrom said.

In recent years, business has suffered. Competition from casinos and offshore slot machines has hurt the bottom line. Employees thought this past weekend's Citrus Tournament was their last hurrah. No one knows if the new plan will include live Jai-Alai action, but at least now there appears to be a future.

“If Jai-Alai goes down, it would be devastating to my financial prospects,” Jai-Alai player Lewis Williams said.

Lewis Williams is a Jai-Alai player and it’s his only occupation. Matches are a draw, along with off-track betting, but even regulars are looking for more action.

“They only have Jai-Alai six weeks out of the year and off-track betting. They need poker or something extra,” Jai-Alai visitor Jimmy Lewis said.

Attempts to add poker or any type of additional gaming have been met with resistance. The Jai-Alai lies within a community redevelopment area. The county is promoting residential, commercial and retail development in the area.

As for the news that the Jai-Alai may not be shutting its doors yet, Seminole's CRA program manager for the area said any viable business is better than an empty business.

“We'll know more in the next few weeks,” Ostrom said.

The Orlando Jai-Alai originally planned to close its doors on December 27, 2009.

Previous Stories: October 30, 2009: Orlando Jai-Alai Closing After Nearly 50 Years