I remember it like yesterday. It’s been almost 50 years ago. It was my first trip to Bridgeport Jai-alai on their grand opening night. Got off Exit 28 – a short drive from Greenfield Hills in Fairfield. Then a left and another left. I already had 3 years of experience going to Tampa, Orlando, Daytona, Miami, and Dania jai-alai.
I felt like I was the only one in there that knew the game. When I went up to the betting window, I was the only one there. It’s all on video and you can view it on this website under “History of Jai-alai”. I bet $2 on 1 to win. I was going to keep it no matter what – win or lose.
Earl “The Pearl” Monroe threw out the first pelota. I watched the NBA back then, and that guy was good. No one like him. What a thrill.
The first few games the crowd was quiet. By the end of the year, the place was packed with nearly 9,000 people filling the double deck fronton. The noise was deafening. And that crowd was rough. A dropped ball with someone losing out on a $1,000 plus trifecta and they would not be happy. The bets cost $3 on Trifecta’s, and the pools were huge. Always paid four figures – it seemed. Bridgeport was a dangerous city – perhaps the worst in the country. Bankruptcy would be later filed. The area was full of prostitutes and drug dealers. Parking inside their fenced area and you were safe. Outside was risky but on nights when you had to park on the streets, I never had an issue.
Over the years after jai-alai closed, it was a dog track (stupid) , and industrial operations and then most recently an off-track betting parlor. That shut down in 2021. The 16 plus acre site was recently appraised by Bridgeport at $4.7 million. In March of 2022, a limited liability corporation bought the property. They want to build a $1.1 Billion-dollar minor league soccer stadium on the site. Plans have been stalled over the past two years for a variety of reasons.
Sounds like a lot of money to me for a minor league soccer stadium in Connecticut largest city. But one thing is for sure, jai-alai will never return there.
Slot Machine Online Betting Now Operating in Florida
If you have the Hard Rock app and live in Florida, you may be one of the lucky ones (or shall we say unlucky ones) that now can bet all on which appears to be one of 21 slot machine games.
Quietly, the Hard Rock has expanded its sports betting under the term of “Powered by Past Motor Racing”. Yet, it looks and plays just like a slot machine.
This is a new form of “against the house” sports betting that the Seminole Tribe believes to be totally legal under the letter of the law in the 2021 gaming compact signed between the Seminole Tribe and the State of Florida.
The Tribe contents you are betting on past motor racing that is similar to the historical horse racing (HHR) concept – originally known as Instant Racing. Players bet on replays of horse races or dog races that already have been run using terminals that typically resemble slot machines. This unique type of betting premiered in Arkansas in 2000 and is used in several U.S. states.
When you launch one of the games and place a wager, the screen displays what appears to be a traditional slot interface: reels spinning with symbols like oranges, cherries, and similar icons. But beneath that slot-like image, something different is happening that – according to Hard Rock Bet – that makes this totally legal.
Each “spin” is determined by the results of one or more historical stock car races from several years ago. The random number generator that typically powers slot machines has been replaced with actual sporting outcomes that have already occurred.
“What you see on the screen are just entertaining depictions of what happens” a Hard Rock source was quoted.
Here’s how the mechanics of this conception work:
When you place a wager, you’re essentially betting on past racing results. If your selections — which correspond to racers from these historical events — finish in winning positions, you win. If they had longer odds, you win more. Hit a couple of first-place finishes from underdogs, and you might be looking at a jackpot.
If you want to see what is going on behind the scenes, try this: “Click to Enter Race View” button in the upper right corner of the screen. This will reveal the actual racing results that determined the outcome – the specific date, the race, which selections were correct, and how the historical results translated into your win or loss.
Also, according to the Hard Rock source “You can see kind of how it turned out, how many of your selections were correct.”
This whole thing sounds bizarre, but I believe it is available to a select group of the original Hard Rock app holders – those that maintained an account during the two-year hiatus when they were successfully shut down by Magic City Jai-alai. They don’t want their servers to crash on this initial release.
I don’t see anybody stopping them, either. Welcome to 24-hour a day slots – wherever you go.
I’ve heard from several people about getting limited or even being cut off from making Jai alai bets online. One person went to the extreme to get a response from the Hard Rock headquarters. Three separate responses were recently texted back after being cut off since Day 2 of Magic City’s latest season.
Here are those responses:
Thank you for bringing this to our attention! To help us investigate the error or limit you’re encountering on Jai Ali bets, could you please try entering the amount you wish to place? This will give us the details we need to look into the issue more thoroughly and escalate it to our team for further investigation. We appreciate your patience and are here to assist you every step of the way.
We apologize but these limits are being placed in line with Responsible Gaming regulations, and even we do not have the authority to go against it, and our hands are tied.
We are very sorry to inform you, and we wish we have better news, but it appears your wagering limits are correct. Please refer to our house rule below:
“1.2 Seminole Gaming may determine minimum and maximum wager amounts per patron on any events to include: all periods, segments, propositions, and future book wagers. Maximum wagers shall not exceed $10 million. Seminole Gaming typically sets the minimum wager at $.10 but reserves the right to change at its discretion. Maximum payout by sport and by market will be established herein.”
Yep, that’s their response. In other words, go F yourself!
Oh, so you think you can just walk into a casino in Hollywood or Tampa and make wagers? No way Jose. It ain’t happening.
October 29, 2025: A couple weeks ago, we showed you construction workers assembling the framing for the glass wall for the future home of Magic City. Today, the glass panels arrived at Miami Casino Jai alai. The glass panels – weighing 500 pounds each – were seen here with getting taking off the truck by three players – Benny, Ben and “my buddy” Roque – bringing them into the fronton.
Assembly will likely take a few days and then once that is completed, the next step will be to find the proper ball to play with on what will be a very unusual cancha. The side and front walls are same ones that were used for 95 years with full a full court and a goat skin pelota in use. The front wall is made from granite – one of the hardest of rocks on Earth. Now, a glass back will be added near the serving line area, giving the court a unique structure of two completely different materials.
We will keep you posted on as this project moves forward.
Jai-alai returns to the “Yankee Stadium” of Jai-alai – the original jai-alai fronton in Miami in the winter of 2026. But this time, it’s a bit different. It will be the Magic City version converted right into the original cancha. Instead of the normal 175 feet or so, the converted Magic city court will be about 130 feet long – with the back wall just before the serving line.
The frame is being built now as you can see in the photo, and it will be an all-glass version and go along with the normal front and side wall of traditional jai alai. The fronton will hit its 100th anniversary – an incredible milestone with jai-alai back in action!
It will be anxious to see how the new court will play – with the ball hitting 18” of granite and then hitting the new all glass back wall. A new ball is imperative that will play to that new court. How the ball will work is anybody’s guess. As we all know, the ball is everything. The hard obstacle is finding a ball that will not break the glass, which has been a hinderance on other glass courts.
We will keep you posted on the wall as it progresses, as well as the fronton itself. Outside the court all hundreds of slot machines, a band stage, poker room and a pizza shop,, all recently remodeled.
Check out Mo Crank’s Magic City Stats on SayHiLi. com website
October 24, 2025: Be sure to check out Mo Crank’s Stat-Pack which is on his home page of the SayHiLi.com website.
His research is second to none, giving you the most complete betting information from his statistics at you could imagine. The fixed odds sports betting is exciting, fast paced and often comes down to the last point in the 3rd match. You can view the odds latest Stat-Pack below also, but be sure to check out the website that he acquired from Straymar.
He also has the Dania Beach Invitational Roster for this year, and even has the log of what years all of the players that have played since the inception in 2022.
Scott King/Sunshine City 3rd Annual Tournament January 31st– February 1st
Scott King and his Sunshine City group are hosting their 3rd annual jai-alai tournament January 31st and February 1st. That may sound like it’s a long way away, but it’s not. Now is this time to make sure you plan on attending or playing in it. The event is clearly the best event held yearly with a lot of great players attending from all over – Connecticut, N Miami, Tampa Bay/Orlando and even Spain/Magic City players. Scott knows just about everyone in jai-alai and has the connections to assemble a great group. He played pro for nearly15 years (mainly at Tampa Jai-alai) and has been an active player at Puryear for the past 13 years or so.
For full details go to this link to sign up or donate.
October 21, 2025: Out of curiosity, I went on to AI (Artificial Intelligence) to see what they say about the future of jai alai. It’s an interesting read but seems to mirror what Magic City is attempting to do now.
In an interview with Zulaica last January, Scott Savin mentioned expanding to different cities – the Battle Court Team version. That is clearly a way to make the sport succeed. It also said anyone under 40 has never heard of jai alai. That must change. AI also said jai alai will always be a niche sport but that there was room for success in the sport long term.
The Current State of JaiAlai
Here’s a summary of where jai alai stands today, which will help us assess its future prospects.
Key facts
The professional U.S. league World Jai‑Alai League (WJAL) currently operates a modified format called “Battle Court” in Miami, Florida. PR Newswire+2Sports Destination Management+2
The league has partnered with major betting/streaming platforms: for instance, Hard Rock Bet (Florida’s legal sportsbook) carries matches and wagering options for jai alai. PR Newswire+2gamingamericas.com+2
Technology and data‑feed partners are being brought in to make matches more engaging (live streaming, low‑latency data, etc.). gamingamericas.com+1
At the same time, the league is facing structural challenges. For example, there are reports that its lease at its longtime venue (Magic City Fronton) is ending, and relocation is being considered. Axios+1
Strengths
The sport has a distinct identity (“the world’s fastest ball sport”), which is eye‑catching and can be a marketing hook.
There’s niche appeal and some momentum around modernization (formats, streaming, social media) which could attract younger or more digitally‑native fans.
Gambling/wagering partnerships provide a revenue stream (or at least a potential one) that traditional sporting models might struggle to tap as effectively.
Weaknesses / Challenges
Jai alai’s mainstream popularity in the U.S. has declined significantly compared to its mid‑20th‑century heyday. Many former frontons have closed. Reddit+1
Infrastructure is limited: few venues, limited geographic spread, and so far concentrated in one region (South Florida).
The business model appears fragile: dependent on venue leases, wagering regulatory frameworks, and appealing to enough fans (both live and remote) to make things financially sustainable.
A legacy perception problem: for many, jai alai is a “nostalgic” sport rather than a fresh mainstream entertainment option.
The Future: What Could Happen
Based on the current state above, here are scenarios + key factors for jai alai’s future.
Possible Scenarios
Moderate Revival + Niche Growth
The league solidifies its format (e.g., Battle Court), increases streaming/remote access, leverages wagering, and becomes a stable (if not massive) niche sport.
Expansion might be modest: perhaps more venues, occasional international matches or exhibitions, but not mass‑mainstream.
Fan engagement might focus online, social media, young audiences with novelty appeal.
Broader Expansion
Jai alai could break through into more mainstream sports entertainment: more teams, more venues across U.S./internationally, major broadcast deals, etc.
This would require significant investment, marketing, format innovation, and perhaps ties to bigger sporting/leisure ecosystems.
The gambling/streaming model would likely remain a key part of the revenue mix.
Contraction / Localization
If revenue fails to scale (venue costs, broadcasting/streaming costs, player salaries, marketing), the sport might retreat and become highly localized (e.g., a regional entertainment offering) or niche hobby rather than a professional growth sport.
This could include fewer frontons, fewer matches, relying heavily on wagering income and less on broad fan appeal.
Key Factors That Will Determine Which Way It Goes
Venue & Lease Stability: As noted, the Miami venue lease issue is looming. If the league loses its home base without a strong replacement, this could hamper momentum. Axios
Regulation & Wagering Frameworks: Since much of the business model depends on betting/wagering, changes in regulation or weaknesses in the wagering product could make or break viability.
Streaming/Broadcast Reach: The ability to reach fans beyond those physically attending will be crucial. Partnerships with broadcasters, streaming platforms, and marketing will matter. For example, an earlier deal with ESPN expanded reach. PR Newswire
Format Appeal & Innovation: The sport must appeal to modern audiences — shorter formats, flashy presentation, interactive elements, possibly global leagues or tournaments. The shift to Glass‑walled frontons, and new formats such as “Battle Court,” are signs of this. PR Newswire+1
Cost Control & Financial Sustainability: Athlete salaries, venue operations, marketing, broadcast/streaming costs — all need to be managed. If costs outrun revenue, growth will stall.
Geographic Expansion / Diversification: If the sport remains too concentrated in one region, growth will be limited. Expansion to other states or countries could open up new markets.
Fan Base Growth: At the end of the day, fan interest (attendance, viewership, social engagement) must grow. Without that, the sport may stay niche.
Cultural Relevance & Branding: The sport needs to be able to brand itself effectively — for example, emphasizing the speed, novelty, heritage, and showing excitement to younger viewers.
My Best Guess
Given what I see, I lean toward the “Moderate Revival + Niche Growth” scenario as the most likely over the next 5–10 years. In other words:
Jai alai will survive (in the U.S., perhaps mostly in Florida) and perhaps stabilize.
It may gain somewhat wider streaming / digital audience thanks to betting/streaming synergy.
But I don’t expect a massive explosion into the mainstream like major team‑sports leagues (e.g., NBA, NFL) anytime soon.
If venue/lease issues, regulatory changes, or costs become problematic, then contraction becomes more likely.
Considerations for Stakeholders
For Fans: If you’re interested in jai alai, this is a good time to engage — streaming options, novelty formats, and perhaps good value for experiencing something different.
For Investors or Operators: Focus early on digital/streaming reach, unique formats, venue cost control, and build community/fan engagement rather than purely venue attendance.
For Players and Athletes: Stability will matter — if the league can offer consistent seasons, broadcast exposure, decent compensation, then it may attract talent; otherwise it might remain a bit volatile.
For Local Economies/Venues: Frontons might serve as more than just sports venues — possibly entertainment hubs (live events, music, mixed uses) to diversify revenue.
New Pelota in Play for the “Chopped Liver League”?
A new pelota may be in play for the “Chopped Liver League” at America’s only public court in St. Petersburg.
For our hundreds of readers outside of the Tamp Bay Area, you may be asking what the hell is the “Chopped Liver League”? It’s a group of players that come out there every day outside of the Wednesday night gang that have their own group. However, a couple of those players like ex-pros Scott King and Garby do play regularly with the “Chopped Liver” gang.
Last Thursday evening I accidently pulled out a pelota of my bag to begin play with that Arra I had given me while were participating in the Magic City Tournament. We had for the past two months just thrown it around for quick practice if someone was retrieving the pelota going out of the cancha. Play went on without anyone saying anything with a group of 8 players, including former Dania pro and Puryear Park alumni Rocco. After about ten minutes of play I realized we were playing with the Magic City ball and announced it. After a few minutes of debate, we decided to continue playing with it.
Hours after the 2.5-hour performance, all 8 players seem to be in agreement. They liked the Magic City ball over the Matt Ball.
Ever since I visited Matt’s court in 2010 and brought back a few balls, we have been using the Matt ball exclusively. Before that, dating to the 1970s we had been using the lacrosse ball. Anyone that has played with that ball will know what I’m talking about. It sucked. More like a super ball that took horrible bounces of the ground and side walls. Try using one today and you will say “oh my God! We played with that ball for decades?!”
Here’s the review of the players that night………
Seminole King
Its more good that bad, good for front court shots back court passing but because is so light it does tend to bounce out of the cesta or roll around so people with control issues are going to become more prone to throw wild shots.
….Which is good for keeping caroms on the court
But the ball is lighter so if you get hit doesn’t pack the same punch. I did get hit twice.
Alex
I like it
Tiny bit smaller and lighter but much better on the arm when throwing
I would not mine playing with it anytime
Buy more from Scott at Magic city before they move to Miami court
Much better for shots
Need to make slight adjustments but worth it.
I like it better. Great on the arm
Slows down a bit after it hits the side wall and back wall but picas well and live off the front wall
Yes better ball all around! My arms feels amazing
Ask Arra where they buy the ball?
Rocco
Love love love. EXCELLENT.
When I threw the ball the rebotes came out plenty far lol.
Magic Mike
I think the ball if fine and nice and lightweight. Some rebotes don’t come out that far but that is like at magic city and can be gotten used to. Better control on caroms even thought mine did go off court a couple times.
Rule
I liked it….Much more life
Rick B
The ball dies out when it hits the side wall…..which is good thing (caroms)
The ball doesn’t stick in your basket the same because of the weight
Echeva
I’m not playing much, but I liked it – closer in size and weight to a real pelota.
Laca
I thought Echeva, the co-founder of Puryear Park in the 1980s, made the best comment.
I had my shipping manager at my company weigh a bunch of balls. Two of them were Matt Gen 2 balls – the old green ones which are still fast. One had a lot of tape on it – which is a big factor to consider in the balls. The Magic City ball actually has two types of tape wrapped around it. One if red and the outer layer is white. The reason they put red on first is to see the if any of the white tape has come off.
The hard plastic ball is the N. Miami ball. The tan ball is the dead batch of balls I got from Matt and I still have about 80 of them. A real pelota is also included for great reference.
Right now, we have been using the Matt 151 ball – a ball that weighs 151 grams. Mark Burler weighted one at 153 today. The amount of tape on the ball makes a big difference. The Matt 151 is the fastest and heaviest ball ever used. I like it, but after playing Thursday evening with the Magic City ball – not one player complained about a sore arm the next day. I just played Saturday with my Matt green ball, and my arm is tired. A couple others echoed that.
I think for the near perfect size and weight and the general way the ball plays, this is a solid option.
Weight (OZ)
Weight (Grams)
Diameter (CM)
Diameter (Inch)
Matt Ball w/ extra tape
5.4
153.4
6.55
2.58
Matt Ball w/ very little tape
5.25
149
6.5
2.56
Magic City Ball
4.66
132.2
6.25
2.46
Hard Plastic Ball
4.17
118.2
6.4
2.52
Tan Ball w/ No tape
4.48
127.2
6.3
2.48
Real Pelota
4.3
121.8
6.4
2.52
What’s the Future?
This of course revolves around availability of the ball. When the current Magic City season wraps it up in the middle of December, they will have a lot of balls that are dead to them. There is little chance they will work on the new court a couple miles away that will have a front and side wall of the original fronton made of 18” thick granite wall and is 99 years old. The back wall is going to be glass and has been under construction in Spain.
To be far, I think we need the other players to try it before any decision of a change is made. There is no way to make 30-35 players we have all agree to the same thing. And I strongly suggest we do not switch balls in a performance. It’s one or the other. You won’t get the full effect unless you play a few hours with just the one ball before making an opinion.
Behind the Scenes of Trip to Magic City and Dania Jai-alai Last Month
Here is a bunch of photos taken from last months event at Magic City Jai-alai and a special trip to play on the Dania cancha.
Special thanks to Scott Savin and company for putting on a great event and we look forward to next years event at the Home of Jai-alai – Miami Jai-alal Casino!
Also special thanks to Benny B. for allowing our group to play on the Dania cancha for the first time ever.
If you see the Stanley Cup in the photos– that is the real McCoy! I was sitting at legendary Jaxson’s having a hot dog, when a group of buzzed people came wondering in off a bus. In their possession was The Stanley Cup. Looking for a spot to put it, I gave up my booth as I had just checked out, and they sat it right down there on the table. The Florida Panthers are two-time defending NHL Champions. The State of Florida has been winning custody of the Cup with the Tampa Bay Lightning with it two consecutive years earlier this decade.
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