The New Orleans city council recently voted 5-0 to end the 17-year ban on sports betting at the New Orleans Fair Grounds, owned by Churchill Downs Inc. Previously only horseracing and slot machines were offered at the venue. The vote brings the track in line with other casinos in the state that offer sportsbooks.
Following the vote, Fair Grounds General Manager Doug Shipley said, “We need it because all our competitors have it. We’re the only ones that don’t have it. It’s not going to be like a Harrah’s-Caesars type of mega-sportsbook. This is more or less just to serve the folks who are already there.”
The city planning commission previously recommended approval, noting Churchill’s plans did not require new construction. Shipley said a sportsbook would be set up with two dozen televisions in an existing 1,500-square-foot multi-purpose event space.
In 2005, the city council allowed Fair Grounds owner Churchill Downs Inc. to add slot machines at the facility. However, council members stipulated no wagers could be taken on televised sports other than horseracing.
In 2020, parishes were allowed to hold referendums to determine if they wanted to allow sports betting at casinos and online. Most approved by a wide margin, including Orleans Parish.
The planning commission released a report including several letters of support from nearby residents. However, two members of the Fairgrounds Citizens Advisory Committee stated Churchill Downs had not complied with other rules in 2005 and had not fully complied with its commitment to pay for a 4-officer, 24/7 New Orleans police patrol. In response, Shipley said Churchill Downs pays $600,000 a year for the patrol.
