EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) -
An off-track betting facility in Evansville is closing its doors on Sunday night.
Indiana Downs had faced financial troubles in the past. They filed for bankruptcy back in April of 2011, but one manager believes most recently the city-wide smoking ban could have contributed to a loss of business, forcing them to close this weekend.
"It's a friendly place. It's a courteous place. I mean you meet people, and plus people you know. You come here, you may have a drink, something to eat, and if you have a winner, God bless us, but if you don't, you still try to have a good time," said Jimmy Agelson who bet at Indiana Downs.
Agelson has visited more than 100 horse betting facilities, both track and off-track, but says he's been coming to Indiana Downs in Evansville faithfully since it opened in 2003. A tradition he says he will miss.
"I think it's sad. It's sad because it's convenient for a lot of people," Agelson said.
"I hate it. I like coming here, and I won't go to Ellis as much as I come here," said Edward McBride, who visited Indiana Downs.
Many patrons said they liked having the option of going to either Ellis Park in Henderson or Indiana Downs in Evansville. Many say they will bet occasionally at Ellis now, but wish they still had a choice between the venues.
"Now it gives the management of Ellis Park the only game in town and that's bad for any economy," Agelson said.
Along with the facility closing, an estimated 55 people will be losing their jobs. Managers say they are disappointed with the way everything has ended.
"I wish someone else would have taken it over," McBride said.
The other Indiana off-track betting facilities are in Shelbyville and Clarksville.
Copyright 2012 WFIE. All rights reserved.
