Louisiana Downs, located on 350 acres near Shreveport in Bossier City, Louisiana opened on October 30, 1974 with approximately 15,000 fans in attendance for the first day of its inaugural meet.

Built by the late shopping-center magnate, Edward J. DeBartolo, Sr., the track was a success from the start, setting numerous national records for handle and attendance throughout the 1970's and '80's.

In 1980, plans were announced for the first running of the Super Derby, a 1-1/4 mile race to be run in the fall with the hope of attracting the best three-year-olds in the country and to have an impact on the end-of-the year championships. With a $500,000 purse, the race was the richest ever for three-year-old Thoroughbreds. On October 18, 1980, Belmont Stakes winner Temperence Hill won the inaugural Super Derby and became only the third Thoroughbred in history to earn more than $1 million. In its 24 runnings, the Super Derby has attracted four Kentucky Derby winners, four Preakness Stakes winners, five Belmont Stakes winners and seven Travers Stakes winners. Six previous Super Derby entrants have won the prestigious Breeders' Cup Classic and three Super Derby winners, Tiznow, Sunday Silence and Alysheba have been voted the Eclipse Award as Horse of the Year, the industry's highest award. The race has rightfully taken its place nationally as one of the most anticipated of the year.

Purchased by Harrah's Entertainment in December, 2002, the track continues its commitment to presenting the highest quality and most exciting Thoroughbred racing each and every day of the season while attracting some of the country's top trainers and horses year after year. For the first time in its history the track showcased Quarter Horse racing mid-November through mid-December 2004 adding yet another chapter to the track's storied history.

Games 

Harrah’s Louisiana Downs offers all the exciting gaming action you could want, and much, much more! Experience the thrill of live, thoroughbred horse racing or visit our all-new casino, all on one level – open 7 days a week.

The 150,000 square foot new casino and entertainment complex features 22 ft. ceilings, a High Limit area and dozens of plasma screen televisions. Watch simulcast racing from across the country or catch your favorite sport while you play the slots!

Slots: Harrah’s Louisiana Downs offers over 1,400 of the newest hottest slots, including 99% payback video poker. From penny games to $100 high limit action, we’ve got your game!

Horseracing / Simulcasting: 2006 Harrah's Louisiana Downs Meet - May 5 - November 4
Thursday – Sunday, Post Time: TBD

Age Requirement - There is no minimum age to enter the track during live racing season, however you must be 18 to wager on the races and 21 to enter the casino.

Seating Accommodations - The grandstand is located on the 2nd level with theater style seating for 5280. The clubhouse is located on the 3rd level with box seating for 3460.

Hotel 

HARRAH’S LOUISIANA DOWNS ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH
SPRINGHILL SUITES® BY MARRIOTT
249-room hotel to be built at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs!

(Bossier City, LA – December 15, 2005) – Harrah’s Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack, TVG Development, LLC and Wolff Urban Development, LLC today announced a joint venture to construct a SpringHill Suites® by Marriott -- a six-story, 249 all-suite hotel. Hotel amenities will include indoor pool and hot tub, outdoor courtyard, state-of-the-art exercise room, breakfast area, and an executive boardroom.

Groundbreaking for the new hotel is slated for May 2006. The new hotel facility will be located at Harrah’s Louisiana Downs in Bossier City, Louisiana at exit 26 off I-20.
“Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is the first facility in northern Louisiana to offer the combination of live thoroughbred racing and slots. The addition of a high-quality 249 all-suite room hotel will not only play a vital role in the economic development of our community, but also enhance our ability to provide an unparalleled entertainment experience to our guests,” said Pat Dennehy, Regional President & General Manager of Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and Horseshoe Casino & Hotel.

Mayor of Bossier City Mayor Lo Walker echoed Dennehy’s sentiments. "The City of Bossier is excited and privileged to have SpringHill Suites coming to Harrah's Louisiana Downs. The high standard of quality and service associated with this organization will certainly serve to benefit our city's rapidly growing reputation as a first-class tourist and entertainment destination. We are very happy to have the opportunity to expand our tourism base and I am confident that SpringHill Suites will provide an even brighter economic future for our City.”

“TVG Development Company, LLC has had the pleasure of developing seven Marriott-flagged properties in Orleans, Jefferson and St. Tammany Parishes. The welcome that we have received from Harrah’s Louisiana Downs and the entire administration of the City of Bossier have made us feel as welcome and as comfortable doing business here as if this were just another project in our own hometown. We are excited about the opportunity to expand our activities within the State of Louisiana to include Bossier City and look forward to a long and mutually-rewarding stay in this community, “said Skip O’Connor of TVG Development, LLC.

The lead architect for the new hotel project is HMS Architects and local general contractor is Shreve Land Construction.

“Shreve Land Construction is excited about being part of the development team for the Marriott SpringHill Suites. It’s an exciting and attractive project that will enhance Bossier City’s continued growth,” said Carl Bantle, CEO Shreve Land Construction.
Harrah’s Louisiana Downs is operated by a subsidiary of Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc., the world’s largest provider of branded casino entertainment. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada 68 years ago, Harrah’s has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions. Harrah’s Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

At this time, Harrah's Louisiana Downs does not offer hotel accommodations on site. However, please check with our new sister property Horseshoe Casino & Hotel Bossier City - located 10 minutes away - for rates & availability at 800-895-0711 OR you can check rates/availability at local hotels (click Reservations).

Now, you can book your hotel offer online! Reserve your exclusive hotel offers or check for special casino rates at any of our partner hotels or another Harrah´s property.

Food 

The Steakhouse and Grill: The Steakhouse & Grill is all about food; great food! The Steakhouse & Grill features a relaxed steakhouse dining experience, a private dining room and Chef´s Table. You´ll enjoy scrumptious steaks, seafood and so much more!

Open Sundays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays
5pm - 10pm
Fridays & Saturdays
5pm - 11pm

Pepper Rose Two: Cowboy Creole Cuisine – Deli Selections, Located on the 2nd Level Prices range from $3.95 - $10.95 for menu items.
There is no required dress code.
Children are allowed. There is no children´s menu

Thursday – Sunday Noon until end of live racing

Harrah’s Club: Southern cuisine. Located on the 3rd Level w/ a Track View, Price range from $7.99-$19.99 for the a la carte menu. Reservations will be accepted, especially for the racing fans that wish to view the entire day´s races from Harrah´s Club. Minimum price required for all-day diners. Proper attire is required. Children are allowed. There is no children´s menu.

Open 12pm – 7pm Thursday – Sunday for racing only

Inside Rail: Bar and Lounge. After a fun day of playing the horses, you won't want to pass up a relaxing beverage at the Inside Rail Bar & Lounge. Ladies can enjoy happy hours specials seven nights a week, plus a special menu from the Louisiana Bread Company. Open 7 days a week. Featuring daily drink specials, Live entertainment Friday & Saturday 8pm -12 Midnight

Hours-

Monday – Wednesday 5pm - 12 Midnight

Thursday & Sunday 12noon - 12 Midnight

Friday & Saturday 12 Noon - 2am

Fat Tuesdays: New Orleans style Frozen Daiquiris. Featuring beverages, hot dogs & popcorn. Located on the 2nd Floor adjacent to Pepper Rose Too.

12 Noon - 9pm

Louisiana Bread Company: Sandwiches, Salads and do much more! The Louisiana Bread Company features fresh-baked pastries, pies, cakes, 6 types of breads, over-stuffed sandwiches, made-to-order tossed salads and sooo much more!

Open 24 hours

The Buffet: Over 100 items prepared fresh daily! If you are looking for a great place for lunch or dinner, look no further than Harrah´s Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack and The Buffet.

Our Buffet features 9 live action stations serving over 100 menu items, including Mexican, Italian and Asian cuisine. Plus, the Center-cut grill features a rotisserie and carving station. And, for dessert.... enjoy Marble Slab Creamery ice-cream creations, fresh-baked pastries, pies, cakes and much, much more!

Breakfast
Saturday & Sunday - 8:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Sunday Brunch
11:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Lunch
Monday - Saturday - 11:00 AM to 3:30 PM

Dinner
Sunday -Thursday - 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Friday & Saturday - 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Friday Seafood Night
$16.99