LOUISIANA – As reported by the Bloodhorse.com: "Government and corporate officials in Louisiana are on a mission to make horse racing a key component of the state's marketing and tourism efforts, and at least one racetrack official believes cooperation among industry players could make Louisiana the preeminent racing state in the country.
"Since the first racino opened at Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino in 2002, more than $40 million has been generated for purses and breed development for Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. Racinos at Harrah's Louisiana Downs and Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino opened in 2003, and Fair Grounds is in line for slot machines, perhaps by the end of this year.
"The growth in Louisiana hasn't gone unnoticed, particularly by other racing and breeding states that have failed to muster legislative support for racetrack gaming.
"…'I'd like to see all the associations in Louisiana develop plans to promote racing,' said Keith Smith, chief operating officer of Boyd Gaming, which owns Delta Downs. '
"…Smith was among the speakers April 2 during the Joint Conference of Racing Regulators in New Orleans. State government officials who apparently have big plans for horse racing joined Smith in making comments that could have officials in some other racing states a bit uncomfortable as the competition for horses increases and other breeding programs prosper.
"…Smith said there are four areas of focus: product, cooperation, trust, and taxes. He said the slots have helped the product and make it attractive for export, but to grow, there needs to be cooperation and trust between racetracks, horsemen, regulators, and the state.
"…Bob Wright, the new chairman of the Louisiana State Racing Commission, said he'd like to see a cooperative effort among tracks and horsemen to promote live attendance at tracks…"
http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/article.cfm?contentID=142033
"Since the first racino opened at Delta Downs Racetrack & Casino in 2002, more than $40 million has been generated for purses and breed development for Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. Racinos at Harrah's Louisiana Downs and Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino opened in 2003, and Fair Grounds is in line for slot machines, perhaps by the end of this year.
"The growth in Louisiana hasn't gone unnoticed, particularly by other racing and breeding states that have failed to muster legislative support for racetrack gaming.
"…'I'd like to see all the associations in Louisiana develop plans to promote racing,' said Keith Smith, chief operating officer of Boyd Gaming, which owns Delta Downs. '
"…Smith was among the speakers April 2 during the Joint Conference of Racing Regulators in New Orleans. State government officials who apparently have big plans for horse racing joined Smith in making comments that could have officials in some other racing states a bit uncomfortable as the competition for horses increases and other breeding programs prosper.
"…Smith said there are four areas of focus: product, cooperation, trust, and taxes. He said the slots have helped the product and make it attractive for export, but to grow, there needs to be cooperation and trust between racetracks, horsemen, regulators, and the state.
"…Bob Wright, the new chairman of the Louisiana State Racing Commission, said he'd like to see a cooperative effort among tracks and horsemen to promote live attendance at tracks…"
http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/article.cfm?contentID=142033
