Legislation that will expand advance deposit wagering in Louisiana was signed into law by Gov. Bobby Jindal June 30.
The measure actually is amended legislation that granted only Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans the right to operate online and telephone wagering on horse races. Fair Grounds is owned by Churchill Downs Inc., which operates TwinSpires.com, the country’s largest ADW system.
The law states the Louisiana State Racing Commission will license ADWs at all racetracks in the state. Only licensees that operate live pari-mutuel race meets are eligible.
The other three racetracks in Louisiana are Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino in Vinton, Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino in Opelousas, and Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City. All four of the state's racetracks have slot machines.