Slot machines arrive at Calder
The first shipment of slot machines arrived at Calder Casino & Race Course in Miami Gardens on Monday morning. Track officials and state regulators were at the casino loading dock to check in 242 slot machines.
Calder will eventually have 1,225 slot machines when it opens in January 2010.
The 242 machines came from WMS and were delivered to Calder’s new 104,000-square foot casino, which is approaching the final phases of its construction, according to a press release. In addition to the slot machines, the Calder Casino will also have three new restaurants.
Calder is currently conducting its 39th horse racing season. The live racing season started in April and continues through Jan. 2. This weekend, Calder hosts its annual Florida Million, featuring $1.2 million in stakes showcasing the Florida Thoroughbred industry.
Simulcasting is offered year-round at Calder and the track also opened its Studz Poker Club on Oct. 23. Studz is holding three $10,000 Guaranteed Deep Stack Tournaments on Nov. 14, 15, and 21.
NICK SORTAL began playing 3-card "gut" and "Indian poker" on high school band trips, moved on to "night baseball" and "pass the trash" during a Dr. Pepper-infused midnight game in the 1980s at the St. Louis Globe-Democrat, and now play in a regular neighborhood Hold 'Em game in Plantation. I have been given the assignment of writing about the gambling life in South Florida casinos for the Sun-Sentinel...which means sitting around watching poker on TV now counts as research.
