You’re driving through the Florida Panhandle, miles from the white sands of Panama City Beach, and suddenly there’s this massive, slightly weathered building rising out of the pine trees. It’s Ebro. If you aren't from around here, you might think it’s an abandoned warehouse or a relic of a bygone era. Honestly? You wouldn't be entirely wrong about the history part. But inside, the Ebro Greyhound Park poker room is pulsing with a kind of energy you just don’t find in the sterile, corporate casinos of Vegas or South Florida.
It’s gritty. It’s authentic. It’s tucked away at the intersection of State Roads 20 and 79 in Washington County.
For decades, this place was synonymous with the sound of barking dogs and the mechanical whir of the rabbit. That’s over now. Florida voters ended greyhound racing, and the tracks went silent. But the poker room stayed. It didn't just survive; it kind of became the heart of the whole operation. People come here from Dothan, Alabama, from Pensacola, and from the beach just to sit across from locals who have been playing the same seats since the room opened in the 90s.
What it’s actually like inside the Ebro poker room
Walk through the doors and the first thing you notice is the space. It’s huge. We're talking 25 tables, maybe more depending on the tournament schedule. Unlike those tiny, cramped card rooms where you’re bumping elbows with the guy next to you, Ebro has breathing room.
The vibe is... Florida.
You’ll see guys in camo hats who just came from a hunting camp sitting next to tourists in flip-flops who got tired of the sun. It’s a great equalizer. The Ebro Greyhound Park poker room doesn't care about your designer watch. They care if you can handle a check-raise on a wet board.
The dealers are fast. Some of them have been there for twenty years. They’ve seen every bad beat imaginable and they don’t have much patience for "tanking" over a $40 pot. It’s refreshing. In a world where televised poker has made everyone think they need five minutes to make a pre-flop decision, Ebro keeps the game moving.
The games people actually play
Most days, the bread and butter is $1/$2 No Limit Hold’em. It’s the standard. But don't expect it to play like a standard game. Because it’s a "destination" room for many, the stacks can get surprisingly deep.
You’ll also find:
- $2/$5 No Limit Hold’em: This usually runs on weekends or when a big tournament is in town. The action is significantly more aggressive.
- Limit Omaha Hi-Lo: There is a dedicated crew of older locals who live for this game. If you want to see some "old school" poker, sit here. Just be prepared to split a lot of pots.
- Pot Limit Omaha (PLO): It’s swingy. It's wild. It’s not for the faint of heart, but it's where the biggest gambles happen.
One thing that surprises people is the "Ebro Progressive Royal Flush" jackpot. It gets huge. Like, "pay off your truck" huge. Seeing that number on the digital display adds a layer of tension every time the flop comes out with two broadway cards of the same suit.
The transition from dogs to cards
It’s impossible to talk about the Ebro Greyhound Park poker room without acknowledging the elephant in the room: the empty track.
📖 Related: Why Titanfall 2 Pilot Helmets Are Still the Gold Standard for Sci-Fi Design
When Amendment 13 passed in Florida in 2018, it mandated the end of dog racing by the end of 2020. For a place named "Ebro Greyhound Park," that felt like a death knell. But the owners, the Stockwell family, pivoted. They’ve been running this place since the 1950s. They know how to adapt.
They leaned into the poker and the simulcast wagering. You can still go there and bet on horses from Gulfstream or Saratoga. You can bet on greyhounds running at the few remaining tracks elsewhere or via historical racing. But the card room is the undisputed king now.
There's a nostalgia that hangs in the air. You’ll see old photos of champion dogs on the walls. It gives the place a soul. It’s not a "pop-up" card room in a strip mall. It has a legacy. That matters to the regulars.
Why the location is a double-edged sword
Let’s be real. Ebro is in the middle of nowhere.
If you're staying at a resort in Destin, it’s a 45-minute to an hour drive. If you're in Panama City Beach, it's about 20-30 minutes depending on how many tourists are clogging up the roads.
Is it worth the drive?
If you want a soft game, probably. The "tourist effect" is real. During the summer months, the room is flooded with people who are on vacation and have a "gambling budget" they are itching to spend. They aren't professional grinders. They're looking for a story to tell back home. For a savvy player, the Ebro Greyhound Park poker room during June and July is a gold mine.
Tournaments and the "Ebro Series"
They don't just do cash games. Ebro is famous in the region for its tournament structures. They host various series throughout the year that draw players from all over the Southeast.
The structures are surprisingly deep for a regional room. You aren't just playing a "crap shoot" where the blinds escalate every ten minutes. They give you room to actually play poker.
The daily tournaments are a different beast. They’re smaller, faster, and usually have a loyal following of locals. If you’re looking to get your feet wet without losing your shirt, the $60 or $80 buy-ins on weekday mornings are a low-stress way to start.
👉 See also: Sex Fallout New Vegas: Why Obsidian’s Writing Still Outshines Modern RPGs
The food situation
Don’t expect a five-star steakhouse.
You’re here to play cards, not critique a Michelin star menu. That said, the snack bar/restaurant area serves what I like to call "winning gambler food." Burgers, club sandwiches, and fried appetizers. It’s greasy, it’s filling, and it’s exactly what you want at 11:00 PM when you’ve been sitting in a swivel chair for six hours. The prices are actually reasonable, which is a rarity in the gaming world.
Misconceptions about Ebro
A lot of people think that because it's an "old" facility, the poker is "old."
That's a mistake.
While there are plenty of "rocks" (players who only play premium hands), the younger generation of players from the surrounding colleges and the military bases (Tyndall and Eglin) have found Ebro. You’ll run into plenty of 22-year-olds who have studied GTO solvers and are ready to 3-bet you light.
Another misconception? That it’s unsafe.
Because it’s isolated, people worry about the parking lot at night. Ebro has a very visible security presence. It’s well-lit. The staff knows the regulars by name. It feels like a community.
The future of the room
With the landscape of Florida gaming constantly shifting—especially with the Seminole Tribe's compact and the introduction of sports betting—places like Ebro have to stay on their toes.
But there is a niche for the stand-alone poker room. People like the specific focus. They like that they don't have to walk through a cloud of cigarette smoke from a thousand slot machines just to get to the poker tables. It’s a dedicated space for a dedicated game.
The Ebro Greyhound Park poker room has survived the end of its namesake sport. It has survived hurricanes—literally, Hurricane Michael did a number on this region in 2018. It persists because there is no substitute for the live poker experience in this part of the state.
✨ Don't miss: Why the Disney Infinity Star Wars Starter Pack Still Matters for Collectors in 2026
Expert tips for your first visit
If you’re planning to head out there, do yourself a favor and call ahead.
They use the Bravo Poker Live app. Check it. See how many games are running. If there’s a waitlist, get your name on it before you leave your hotel. Nothing kills the vibe of a poker road trip like sitting on a wooden bench for two hours waiting for a seat to open up.
Also, watch the weather. Washington County can get some wild thunderstorms, and that drive back to the beach on Highway 79 in a torrential downpour is no joke.
- Tip 1: Bring a hoodie. Like every poker room on the planet, Ebro keeps the AC at "arctic" levels.
- Tip 2: Tip your dealers. They work hard, and they are the reason the game stays friendly.
- Tip 3: Pay attention to the promotions. They often have high-hand giveaways that can turn a losing session into a winning one instantly.
- Tip 4: Don't underestimate the "locals." They might look like they're napping, but they know exactly how you've played your last ten hands.
Actionable Next Steps
If you are ready to hit the felt at the Ebro Greyhound Park poker room, start by downloading the Bravo Poker Live app to monitor the real-time game state. Plan your arrival for early afternoon on a weekend if you want the widest variety of games, or a weekday morning if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere with the regular crew.
Verify the current tournament schedule on their official website before driving out, as they frequently host special events that can fill the room to capacity. Finally, ensure you have a valid ID; Florida gaming laws are strict, and you won't get past the front desk without it.
Current Status: The poker room is open daily. Check local listings for holiday hours or special event closures.
Distance Chart (Approximate):
- From Panama City Beach: 20 miles
- From Destin: 45 miles
- From Tallahassee: 100 miles
- From Dothan, AL: 65 miles
The game is always changing, but Ebro remains a constant in the Florida poker scene. Whether you’re there for the history or the high hands, it’s a room that demands a certain level of respect. Just remember: the dog track might be empty, but the sharks are still swimming in the poker room.
Resources for Responsible Gaming:
If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please call or text the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling at 1-888-ADMIT-IT. They offer 24/7 confidential support.
The Ebro experience is about the game. Keep it fun, keep it disciplined, and maybe you'll be the one hitting that Progressive Royal Flush.