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Sarasota Kennel Club Opens One Eyed Jacks Poker Room

The Sarasota Kennel Club opened its doors to a new venture Friday, November 24. The kennel club introduces One Eyed Jacks, the area's only poker room.

The poker room received a warm reception, evident in the long queue formed outside of the double doors of the 6,000 square foot room. Seven variations of poker are offered in the room with 24 tables, including Seven Card Stud and Texas Hold'em.

Unlike the severity of the kennel tracks, the poker room emulates the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas, with its plush carpeting and marbletop tables. Not to mention the dealers and cocktail waitresses in all their finery.

"You're in the ghetto, walking into the Bellagio," said poker player Scott Gardner.

The opening of the poker room marks the end of a three-year battle for Jack Collins Jr., owner of the kennel club. Collins' grandfather bought the 77-year old dog track in 1944, and the customer base had dwindled with time.

"You need to have something for the younger generations," Collins said. He was able to convince the Sarasota County Commission to overturn its previous unanimous ruling against his poker room proposal. Collins had help from hundreds of supporters who e-mailed the commissioners, expressing their support for his venture.

Now Collins is reaping the rewards of his persistence. Some players even had to wait 45 minutes in line just to get served in the poker room during the opening day.

"It's better than expected," Collins said.