Bill could pave way for Ebro slots
Planned resort also in the cards
EBRO — A new bill in the Florida Senate could pave the way for Ebro Greyhound Park and Poker Room to build a casino resort, a goal the company has been working toward since Washington County passed a referendum allowing slot machines in 2012.
The bill, introduced Thursday by Sen. Bill Galvano, R-Bradenton, would reform state gambling laws allowing slot machines in the eight counties where they’re currently allowed and change the rules for dog racing.
“They’re moving in a good direction,” Ebro track owner Mark Hess said.
If it passes, the bill will allow Ebro to make good on a promise to bring 1,250 jobs to the area by building a resort, including a gaming center, amphitheater, retail, five star restaurant, conference center and family entertainment. Ebro officials have said studies they have done indicate the project would generate another 1,500 spin-off jobs and bring about 2 million visitors to Bay County.
“We are taking it one step at a time,” Hess said. “But we do have a plan.”
In other words, Hess said his company is ready to move forward with the project if the state gives them the green light.
However, the state legislation is only part of the path forward. Ebro is currently in a legal battle with state, alleging that because voters approved slot machines via the 2012 referendum, they should be able to build their casino. If they win the lawsuit, “we automatically get slot machines,” Hess said.
The case has made its way to the state’s Supreme Court, and Hess said he is expecting a ruling in the near future. And between the judicial and legislative branches of government, he is optimistic.
“We have faith,” he said. “We went out and spent a lot of money on the referendum so the people of Washington County’s voices would be heard. Now we are fighting really hard to make sure they are heard.”
Sen. George Gainer, R-Panama City, said while he as an individual would have been against the bill, he plans to respect the wishes of Washington County voters and support the legislation “unless I find something in the draft … later that I don’t like. Then I might change my mind.”
The precise language of the bill already has been redrafted several times and is expected to undergo even more changes.
Ebro also would be affected by a provision in the bill to change greyhound racing practices. Right now, to have a poker room, the park is required to race dogs 167 days a year. With the changes, it’s possible the number of racing days could be reduced to 100, or even dropped as a requirement.
“We’ll be reading that carefully,” Hess said.
Racing is often not profitable, so Hess said he hopes the legislature will “decouple” the poker rooms from racing and reduce the number of days, but he’s reserving judgement until he sees the final draft.
“We’ll do what’s best for Ebro and the dogs,” he said.