Orlando Jai-Alai is closing after nearly 48 years in business.
Employees were told Thursday that the struggling Seminole County pari-mutuel would remain open until Dec. 27.
Gamblers could bet on jai-alai games at the fronton from February to April and on races and games at tracks across the country the rest of the year.
Manager Howard Ostrom said company heads had been trying to keep the business open for years, but increasing competition from other gambling outlets in the state contributed to its demise.
About 75 people work at the business year-round. The fronton also employs about 30 jai-alai players, who fling small balls with boomerang-shaped baskets strapped to their wrists.
