TEXAS HOLDEM ONLINE POKER

ORANGE PARK, Fla. -- The new Poker Room opened its doors Thursday inside the Orange Park Kennel Club.

Officials said the new, 14,000-square-foot Poker Room is a win-win situation for the area -- brining revenue to the surrounding counties, as well as the state.

Plans to open the Poker Room began last year after the Legislature passed a bill to allow higher-stakes poker, removing the $10 pot limit. This gave dog tracks the opportunity to compete with American-Indian casinos and cruise ships that offer card games.

Additionally, it brings new jobs to St. Johns County.

"There will be about 100 new employees at this facility," said Joshua Zuckerman, director of poker operations at the Poker Room.

The Poker Room includes 36 tables, offering games like Texas Hold 'Em and Seven-Card Stud. There are also several monitors available for watching various sports events.

The impact on cruise ships in the area remains to be seen, but officials at the Poker Room said the overall economic and entertainment value makes the opportunity worthwhile.

The Poker Room is open from noon until midnight every day except Tuesday.