Delta Slots Back Up After State-Imposed Shutdown

The slot-machine parlor at Delta Downs reopened the evening of Feb. 22 after it had been shut down by the state police that morning for various violations. The Louisiana Gaming Control Board had suspended the license of Boyd Gaming, owner of the Vinton track, to operate the 1,500 slot machines that went on line in mid-February.

Lack of surveillance, underage gambling, and problems with the counting of money were cited as the problems, though state police said there was no attempt to intentionally violate gaming laws. Boyd Gaming owns 11 other casinos around the country.

Part of the problem at Delta Downs has been volume. When the slots parlor opened, 5,000 to 7,000 people reportedly were in the building that day. Rob Stillwell, a spokesman for Boyd Gaming, said late Feb. 22 the problems cited by officials had been rectified.