Florida's proposed slots venues may not only bring the state much needed additional revenue, but it may help save the game of Jai-Alai as well. Once among the most attractive entertainment options in Dania Beach, Florida, today, Jai- Alai barely attracts visitors at the Dania Beach fronton.
Slots could potentially help revive Jai-Alai's long-waning popularity, some Dania Beach residents believe. The rationale is that if a major casino company decided to invest in the area and transform the Jai-Alai Dania Beach fronton into a major entertainment center, complete with slots, more visitors would come. County records reveal that in the past, casino company Station Casinos Inc. had reached an agreement with the executives of the Aragon Group, Dania Jai- Alai’s parent company. However, the deal, which gave Station Casinos first privileges for discussing the future project, terminated in 2000. Dania Jai Alai President, Steve Snyder, reportedly wished not elaborate on future strategies of the company, as he considered it useless to discuss the topic, until slots would be legalized by state legislators.
Dania Jai Alai is in desperate need of resuscitation. Even though there are residents living close to the fronton, who fear that a slots facility would disturb their tranquility, they also agree that it is essential, as it will increase the city’s tax base, keep taxes low for homeowners and generally revive the city’s spirit.
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