Orlando jai-alai trying to keep business alive in 50th season

ORLANDO, Fla.,None — Next week, the Orlando jai-alai will be back for its 50th season at the Casselberry location.

The gaming venue came close to being shut down in 2009.

But managers are now hoping to expand if local lawmakers will let them.

For 50 years Orlando jai-alai has offered its unique brand of entertainment to central Florida.

But the last few years have been the most difficult.

The poor economy and competition from giant casinos and offshore slot machines have siphoned away business.

In 2009, the venue was going to close, but instead was sold to a new management company.

Since then, there has been limited jai-alai. The business has survived mostly on simulcast horse races.

Mark Bander is the general manager.

"(It's) more than just gambling," Bander said.

That's the mantra as Bander tries to steer the aging product through rough financial seas.

Not only do they want to simulcast jai-alai games all across the county, they can also use the 1,000 seat stadium for concerts and festivals.

The new management team also revamped the venue's restaurant and they're hoping for big things when their jai-alai season opens January 6.

John Purpura hopes the venue can continue to stay afloat.

"Oh I have a good time. Good food and it's relatively economically priced," said Purpura.

Venue managers said they could use some help from lawmakers.

Orlando jai-alai and the dog track in Longwood are the only two pari-mutuels in the state that don't offer poker. That's because state law requires local government approval, something, so far, they've been unable to get.

"We would love to be able to expand into card games. Right now that's not possible," said Bander.

The state legislature will begin session next month, and there are several gambling bills up for consideration.

Managers at Orlando jai-alai hope new laws will pave the way for them to expand.

WFTV