What Is Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots?

Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots is a New Orleans entertainment venue that combines thoroughbred horse racing, slot machine gaming, off-track betting (OTB) locations, dining, and special events. It has operated since 1872 and describes itself as America's second-oldest racetrack. If you're looking for a single destination that mixes live racing with casino-style gaming and food, this is what the property offers.

The Three Main Attractions

The venue organizes its experience around three areas, each aimed at a different kind of visitor.

Thoroughbred Racing

Fair Grounds hosts world-class thoroughbred racing and promotes itself as America's second-oldest track. The racing calendar includes marquee events — the site highlights a Thanksgiving Classic race with tickets sold in advance. If live horse racing is your main interest, this is the core of the property.

Slots

The gaming floor features over 600 slot machines, described as "completely refreshed" with more than 100 new slots. Promotions and giveaways run alongside the games. Featured titles on the site include Wheel of Fortune Cash On Reels and Buffalo Mega Stampede, both located at the Race Course & Slots location.

OTB & Casinos

Beyond the main property, there are 13 OTB & Casino locations offering video poker and promotions. Featured video poker titles include Fu Dai Lian Lian Panda and San Fa Pandas, available at these satellite locations. This matters if you want the gaming experience closer to where you are rather than at the track itself.

Dining and Events

• Dining: A Steak N Shake is on-site — the site calls it "LA's only Steak N Shake" — serving steakburgers, tallow fries, and shakes.
• Special events: The venue runs a recurring events calendar. Examples from the listing include Rhythm & Racing Line Dancing, a Spooky Season Hatpiece Workshop, Trunk or Treat, and a Jambalaya Jamboree Cook-Off.
• Promotions: Giveaways such as the Pick A Pumpkin Giveaway (free slot play on certain Saturdays in October) and larger prize promotions like the $127,000 Rustling Richest Giveaway.

Who This Is For

Practical Notes

• Location: New Orleans, Louisiana.
• History: Operating since 1872; positioned as the second-oldest racetrack in the U.S.
• Tickets: Some events, like the Thanksgiving Classic, require advance ticket purchase.
• Hiring: The property also lists open roles across its Slots, Racing, and OTB & Casino locations.

The site does not publish general admission pricing or hours in the material reviewed, so check the specific event or promotion page before you go.