Jai Alai

The History of Jai-Alai

Jai-alai originated in the Basque region of France and Spain. Currently, Jai-alai is played all around the world, from Mexico to the Philippines, from China to Italy. Florida is home to the most frontons, courts where Jai-alai is played, in the world.

Jai alai, a popular sport that originated in Spain hundreds of years ago, now flourishes in southern Florida. Dubbed the "fastest game on Earth" this sport is played on a court or "fronton" by players hitting a ball against a wall with gloves attached to wicker baskets. Fans bet on this quirky sport, and the gambling aspect of jai-alai is as important to some patrons as the athletics.