Let me begin by saying that I've been playing in this room off-and-on since day 1. The room has undergone many changes in the 10 or so years since it opened, and not all of the comings and goings have been for the better. There now seems to be an overall feeling of "good enough" among the ownership and management...which is sad. This room could be so much more than it is with very little effort and almost no financial investment.
Unless you already know the room is there, there is zero chance you will find anything on social media about it. Three times I have signed up for their email list and I have yet to receive any email at all. Additionally, their presence on Twitter or Facebook is almost non-existent. Meanwhile their competitors routinely send emails (and update social media) with updates on tournaments, promotions, etc. With what little competition they have within the area, I'm amazed they aren't trying to capitalize on the tourist dollars that flow into Sarasota each year...especially with the airport right across the street.
The promotions are, without any question, the best of any poker room within reasonable driving distance. Being paid without your hand needing to hold up for a certain period of time is a huge bonus as nothing is worse than having your high hand beaten with 2 minutes left! That won't happen here as you get paid immediately and without the hassle of signing a bunch of forms or having to present ID. You can even say "I need help" if you have a high hand and the $20 minimum isn't in the pot.
The room itself is comfortable enough with plenty of room to move around. The staff (dealers and floor) have been in decline the last few years as perhaps they've had difficulty finding qualified people with the growth of poker in the Midwest and Atlantic states. Many of the dealers now don't know the rules, misinterpret the rules, favor the regulars, and can't track the pot in pot-limit games. Every dealer has their own "special shuffle" it would seem as they are all different...which is a pet peeve of mine. Maybe adding the automatic shufflers wouldn't be such a bad idea?
Overall, this is a cozy room if you're interested in stopping to check it out. I recommend going on Friday or Saturday as their better promotions tend to be on these days. Don't be afraid to use the suggestion box at the front podium. Maybe we can let them know that "good enough" really isn't.
