Fair Grounds Race Course at a glance
About Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots is a Louisiana-licensed racino at 1751 Gentilly Boulevard in New Orleans, Louisiana, owned and operated by Churchill Downs Inc. The track claims the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating horse racing track in the United States, with documented racing on this Gentilly Boulevard site dating to 1838. The facility runs 600 slot machines, Electronic Keno, Video Poker, live horse racing, off-track betting, simulcasting, and a sportsbook, with self-parking and valet on site. The Slot Rewards loyalty program serves regular guests. The minimum gambling age is 21, regulated by the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. Phone: (504) 944-5515; website: fairgroundsracecourse.com.
Venue photo
Fair Grounds Race Course
New Orleans, Louisiana
Fair Grounds Race Course is located in the Mid-City neighborhood of New Orleans, approximately 3 miles north of the French Quarter via Gentilly Boulevard. The track has operated through nearly two centuries of New Orleans history — surviving the Civil War, multiple fires, and most recently Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which caused catastrophic damage to the facility before extensive reconstruction allowed racing to resume. Churchill Downs Inc., the company that owns and operates Churchill Downs Racetrack (home of the Kentucky Derby), acquired Fair Grounds and has maintained it as part of its national thoroughbred racing portfolio.
The New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival (Jazz Fest) — one of the premier American music and cultural festivals — is held annually at Fair Grounds Race Course, making the track one of the most culturally significant music event venues in the United States in addition to its racing heritage.
Games at Fair Grounds Race Course
- free play
- points
- rewards club
Specific earn rates, tier requirements, and benefits change frequently — confirm with the property's player services desk before your visit.
Contact
- Phone
- (504) 944-5515
- Website
- fairgroundsracecourse.com
1751 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States
New Orleans, LA 70119
Open in Google MapsWhat the directory data shows
Strengths and gaps inferred from games, features, and directory data.
Strengths
3- Oldest continuously operating horse racing track in the US (1838) — Churchill Downs ownership
- 600 slots, Electronic Keno, sportsbook, simulcasting, and OTB on the same property
- Annual host of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival — major cultural venue
Watch-outs
2- No table games — slots and racing/wagering only
- Racing is seasonal; slot hours should be confirmed at fairgroundsracecourse.com
The oldest US horse racing track since 1838 — Jazz Fest venue, 600 slots, sportsbook, and Churchill Downs in New Orleans Mid-City
Fair Grounds Race Course is simultaneously the oldest continuously operating horse racing venue in the United States, the annual host of New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and a Churchill Downs Inc. slots and sportsbook racino. The historical and cultural significance of the property is exceptional — 186+ years of racing, Katrina reconstruction, Jazz Fest crowds, and now a complete gaming and wagering package. Slot Rewards loyalty is the loyalty program. Confirm current racing schedule and slot hours at fairgroundsracecourse.com or (504) 944-5515.
Licensing & Rules
- Regulator
- Louisiana Gaming Control Board
- Age Requirement
- 21+
- Sportsbook
- Legal
