Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. opened its first casino located at Thoroughbred Racecourse on May 21. Harrah's Louisiana Downs, located in Bossier City, is the first facility in northern Louisiana to combine live Thoroughbred racing and slots.
Harrah's is investing $110 million to renovate and expand its existing track, about 7 miles east of Shreveport, to create a futuristic racing facility alongside Las Vegas-style casinos. Developed in two phases, Louisiana Downs is Harrah's second "racino" business. The company operates Bluffs Run Casino with slot machines and dog tracks in Council Bluffs, Iowa.
Opened on May 21, the first phase of the expansion features 905 slot machine casinos operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Unlike traditional riverboat casinos in the area, Harrah's Louisiana Downs' slot machines and video poker machines are on a single-game floor that matches the layout of most Las Vegas casinos.
Harrah's currently employs 742 people in Louisiana Downs. The company will add 135 positions during the track's live race season and 200 at the time of the second phase of opening, taking its total to 1,077.
"What we're investing in the Louisiana Downs of the Year shows our desire to become leaders in the rising 'racism' segment of our industry," said Gary Loveman, president and CEO of the Year. "We will combine Northern Louisiana's most exciting live and simultaneous horse racing with the hottest slot machines to create a truly unique gaming experience in Bossier City." 바카라사이트
In addition to the 905 slot and video poker machine, the new casino has new restaurants, bars, and various infrastructure improvements. The new plasma screen allows customers to watch and bet races on the slot floor. Further improvements scheduled to be completed early in the live racing season on June 27, 2003 include a race track lawn rail system, barn and stable area, lawn course irrigation, paddock area, winner circle, race track apron area, exterior entry landscaping, and a new VIP Diamond Lounge upgrade on the fourth floor.