BY TOM SOMACH

Poker room revenue in the State of Florida is up sharply, thanks to new state laws governing the game, the Associated Press reports.

According to the wire service, the total amount of money earned at Florida’s 18 state-regulated poker rooms increased nearly 60% from June to July, hitting an all-time high of $7.7 million.

The new laws, enacted in July, increased wagering limits at Sunshine State poker rooms and also allowed them to be open seven days a week.

Betting limits, which were at $2,=A0 were raised to $5.

And, for the first time, Texas hold ‘em was allowed to be played (stud had been the ubiquitous game).

Also, racetracks with poker rooms no longer have to close the rooms on days there’s no racing.

Poker revenue from four card rooms in Broward County, where Fort Lauderdale is, increased from $776,000 in June to $1.33 million in July, the A.P. reports.

And the Palm Beach Kennel Club, in West Palm Beach in Palm Beach County, almost became the first licensed poker room in the state to generate $1 million in a month, the A.P. reports.

The Palm Beach Kennel Club added 20 poker tables in July, so the room now seats 600 and is the largest card room on the East Coast of the U.S., not including Atlantic City.

Although Florida has no traditional casinos, the state still has plenty of gambling.

In addition to horse racing, dog racing, jai alai, bingo and poker, there are Indian casinos.

There are also casino ships off the coast that cruise international waters and offer casino games and sports betting.

(E-mail Tom Somach at tomsomach@yahoo.com.) =A0