Operator News
US – Dania Jai-Alai opens with 550 slots
By Phil - 25 February 2014
Argentine operator Casino Club has now reopened the Dania Casino and Jai-Alai, in Dania Beach, Florida, north of Miami, with 550 slots and 12 poker tables although the plan is to house 1,400 slots by next year.
Casino Club owner Cristobal Lopez owns 75 per cent of the venue and have invested US$20m in the refurbishment and equipment.
In May last year it partnered with a local company to purchase Dania Jai-Alai for US$65.5m from Boyd Gaming. The US operator has bought the venue in 2006 for US$152m. The property previously beamed horseracing from all over the US.
Dania Jai-Alai Marketing Director Bernie Gamboa, said: “This property has been here for 57 years and it’s been a lot of work, facility work, and we’re very proud of what we’ve done.”
Argentinean investor Federico de Achaval, added: “I think we can compete with everybody and there is a place and the market is sufficiently open. We can manage it.”
The next phase of development aims to bring in 1,400 slots by the winter of 2015.
Mr. López added: “It’s important for us to be in this business, which is very competitive. To come from Argentina and be able to be in the United States is a great accomplishment for us.”
Dania Beach Mayor Walter Duke added: “We are very excited and grateful for the extraordinary effort. From the group of city officials to the Argentinian investors, everyone has been very professional. This contribution will benefit our community because thousands of people will be hired, 60 per cent of whom will be from Dania Beach.”
