They’re hoping for a full house at Finger Lakes Gaming and Race Track with the installation of video poker machines.

For 25 cents or $1 a play, visitors will be able to choose from 22 video poker machines starting tomorrow, said racino spokesperson Steve Martin.

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“There seems to be a poker craze throughout the country,” said Martin, adding that the machines were recently added at Saratoga and Monticello gaming facilities and have had great success. “We think this will be a big hit for us.”

The track had struggled over the years with decreasing attendance and might have closed if the option of installing video lottery terminals hadn’t been included in a 2001 bill passed by the state Legislature.

The machines seem to be a success. More than 730,000 people have visited the facility since its February opening.

The 28,000-square-foot gaming room features more than 1,000 slot-like machines and is expected to generate more than $150 million annually.

The gaming area was built in the lower grandstand of the track, which was rarely used; services include valet parking, a coat check, food and beverages, and a sports bar, all decorated with a vineyard theme, playing off the Finger Lakes wine region.

A big draw to the games — which accept bills and vouchers, but no coins — is the chance of winning. On average, the games return 92 cents from every dollar wagered.

The facility, owned by

Buffalo-based Delaware North Co., has been a boost to the local economy as well. The number of jobs there has doubled from 250 to 500 year-round positions.

It has also helped the racing, with purses increasing over last year.

Source: Finger Lakes Times Online