Tuesday, June 7, 2016
With just 23 days remaining in the fiscal year, I went to the Dept. of Business Regulation site again to see just how close the casino profits are going to be come June 30, and if they will be a record, as I have presumed. Of course, the people in Tallahassee have not updated the info since the last report - they're still listed through the first week of May.
So, I moved over to the poker reports, since it's been a long time since I perused them, and found that the poker rooms around the state are more than holding their own. Here's the comparison: For the fiscal year 2012-2013, the gross receipts for the state equaled $132,690,414. For 2013-2014 it came to $136,163,614. For 2014-2015 the figure dropped slightly to $135,888,902. And, through April of this year (they don't have May up yet), the figure is $122,577,563.
For the last few months, the group as a whole has been averaging about $13 million a month, so adding $26 million to the April figure, the total should be about $148 million. Poker, it seems, also doesn't come under the "slots are declining, too," column.
Ocala Jai Alai, however, doesn't seem to be following the others. After years of $3.63 million; $3.68 million; and $3.48 million, through April the "total rake" as they now call it, is just $2.58 million. Based on recent months, it looks as though Ocala will only reach about $3.2 million. Of course, since they only spend a few pennies here and there on marketing, it's no wonder half of Marion County no doubt doesn't even know there's poker being played on highway 318.
ADD ONE FRESHMAN - Another freshman sire has popped up on the Florida list, although he won't be making much of an impact with just six registered foals. His name is Gary D, and he's a grey or roan by Successful Appeal out of the Silver Ghost mare Harford Ghost.
No farm is listed for Gary D, who raced in the colors of Donald Ming after going through the OBS ring and selling for $100,000. He compiled a record of 3-4-3 in 21 starts with earnings of $135,690, winning the OBS Sprint Stakes in 2010. He also finished second in the Pelican Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and fourth in the Woodstock at Woodbine.
Gary D's first runner was Tres Huevos, who finished fifth at Presque Isle in his debut. The gelding was bred by Ming and is owned by his breeder in partnership with Rice Racing. Kevin Rice is the trainer.
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