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Louisiana Track Hurting from Competitors' Slots Business26 March 2002NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana – As reported by the Associated Press: "It's a situation that would have seemed inconceivable just a few years ago: one Louisiana horse-racing track seeing its business hurt by competition from across the state. "The difference, Fair Grounds officials say, is the recent addition of a slot-machine casino at Delta Downs, part of the proceeds of which are used to boost racing purses. "Already, some trainers have been lured away. "Three of the state's four tracks are eligible for slots, although Delta Downs in Vinton is the first to open a casino. So far, the Fair Grounds is not eligible under state law. "…This season at the Fair Grounds, which ended Monday, saw total betting handle drop almost 8 percent from the previous season, averaging $4.5 million per day. On-track handle dropped 13 percent to $255,777, while on-track attendance dropped 12 percent to an average of 2,204 per day. "…Delta Downs slots were turned on in mid-February, and [Fair Grounds general manager Bryan] Krantz said that by next season, the track will be a stronger competitor for racing stables. He compared Delta Downs' potential to that of Mountaineer Park in West Virginia, which has used slot-fueled purses to lure horses away from Kentucky…" |