Churchill Downs Slots Debuts at New Orleans Horse Racing Track

On September 22nd, 2007, after more than 10 years of trying to expand gaming activities at their racing track, the Churchill Downs Incorporated, started a slot machine business with the debut of their temporary slots establishment at their Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans.

The establishment has 250 slot machines to offer their customers. The ribbon cutting was done by officials from Louisville and New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin. Churchill Downs Racetrack President Randy Soth commented that a lot of company leaders were happy with the initial performance of the slots business.

A permanent establishment that will offer 700 slot machines is expected debut in late 2008. The Fair Grounds off-track betting establishment has put away their video poker because of slots regulations. A January poll is scheduled in Miami-Dade County, Florida on a plan to allow slot machines at the Calder Race Course in Churchill.

A proposed casino referendum is also important on the gubernatorial race in Kentucky. Officials from Churchill have not offered any profit predictions from the Fair Grounds slots, Soth commented.

After almost 18% of profits go to race breeders and payouts for quarter horses and thoroughbreds, 22.5% of what remains of the cash goes to the state taxes and local taxes. The Fair Grounds' race meeting will debut on Thanksgiving Day.

Tuesday, 09 October 2007
Darren G. Strachan