
Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack
Experience thoroughbred racing and over 1,300 slot machines at Louisiana Downs, a vibrant entertainment hub with exciting events.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Live racing and betting opportunities

Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack
Best Time
Live racing and betting opportunities

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience thoroughbred racing and over 1,300 slot machines at Louisiana Downs, a vibrant entertainment hub with exciting events.
"The fireworks show at the end was the best one I've seen in all my 35 years of living!"

🎯 Box Seat Views
For unobstructed racetrack views, aim for boxes 4 or 5; box 6A has a pole obstruction. :seat:
💨 Beat the Heat
The racetrack area can get hot and stuffy; consider visiting during cooler hours or events. :thermometer:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thoroughbred Racing Action
Racetrack
Experience the thrill of live thoroughbred horse racing with a variety of betting options.

Casino Floor Excitement
Casino
Try your luck on over 1,300 slot machines in a recently updated casino environment.

Red River Balloon Festival
Event Grounds
Witness spectacular fireworks and hot air balloons during this popular annual event.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Event-Specific Planning
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Box Seat Views
For unobstructed racetrack views, aim for boxes 4 or 5; box 6A has a pole obstruction.
:seat:💨 Beat the Heat
The racetrack area can get hot and stuffy; consider visiting during cooler hours or events.
:thermometer:📱 Event Schedules
Check the Louisiana Downs schedule for special events like fireworks and concerts.
:calendar:🍽️ Dining Options
Enjoy food from Inside Rail restaurant or explore diverse food trucks during events.
:forkandknifewithplate:Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Box Seat Views
For unobstructed racetrack views, aim for boxes 4 or 5; box 6A has a pole obstruction.
:seat:💨 Beat the Heat
The racetrack area can get hot and stuffy; consider visiting during cooler hours or events.
:thermometer:📱 Event Schedules
Check the Louisiana Downs schedule for special events like fireworks and concerts.
:calendar:🍽️ Dining Options
Enjoy food from Inside Rail restaurant or explore diverse food trucks during events.
:forkandknifewithplate:💸 Betting Lines
Lines at betting stations are generally short, even during busy periods.
:moneywithwings:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Louisiana Downs offers a mixed experience, with an updated casino floor and slot machines contrasting with a dated racetrack area that can get uncomfortably hot. Visitors enjoy the live racing, the excitement of special events like fireworks and balloon festivals, and the variety of food trucks available during these occasions. However, some find the casino lacking in atmosphere and note the absence of a non-smoking section.
"We went over the Fourth of July weekend and had a great time. We were in box 6A right on the finish line. If we go back I would move over a box to maybe 4 or 5 as there is a big black pole blocking the view of the track. All the staff was friendly and polite. We had a few bites from the Inside Rail restaurant which were all pretty good. The casino and restaurant area are all updated, however the track area is not. Quite dated. Even though it was indoors the AC was not able to keep up and the area was quite hot and stuffy. Definitely needs an HVAC update. All in all I would go again. No long lines at the betting stations."
Sarah Durst
"Had a great time! The VIP section was a fun place to watch, food… it was okay, but it was all you could eat. Staff were very courteous. Will certainly come again(even though I do not gamble)"
Kirk Elmore
"We drove from Texas to Harrah's in Louisiana. Which we had frequently visited prior to covid. It is dead as a door knobs. The restaurants are empty. It's so bad we walk into China palace and the hostess ask us what did we want? I'm like (in my head) to be seated? There was no one in the entire restaurant. What a stupid question. The food was good, but not the quality of a 4 or 5 star restaurant. Overall the casino no life maybe 50 to 75 people in the entire casino. So you know no payouts. A tradition ended. Won't be back."
Lisa Spivey
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Louisiana Downs is located in Bossier City, Louisiana. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors drive from nearby Texas cities like Texarkana.
Public transportation options are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the venue.
Parking is available, though reviews suggest the parking lot can sometimes be littered with trash.
Yes, Louisiana Downs is easily accessible from Shreveport, which is just across the Red River. The drive is typically short.
While there isn't a hotel directly on-site, there are numerous hotels in the surrounding Bossier City and Shreveport areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the casino floor is generally free. However, for specific events like the Red River Balloon Festival or for reserved seating like boxes, tickets may be required.
General admission to the casino and racetrack is typically free. Special events may have an admission fee.
Casino hours are generally extensive, but racetrack hours vary with the racing schedule. It's best to check their official website for the most current operating times.
Yes, box seating for groups is available. A box for 4 people typically includes seating and a view of the track, but confirm specific inclusions when booking.
There is no strict dress code for the casino or general admission areas. However, for VIP sections or special events, smart casual attire might be appropriate.
🎫 🏇 Onsite Experience
Louisiana Downs primarily features thoroughbred horse racing.
You can place various types of bets on the horse races, including win, place, and show bets. Lines at betting stations are usually short.
Currently, there is no dedicated non-smoking section in the casino, which is a drawback for some visitors.
The casino and restaurant areas are updated, but the racetrack area is described as dated. Some visitors find the casino to be lacking in 'life' or energy.
During special events like the Fourth of July or the Red River Balloon Festival, there are family-friendly activities, food trucks, and entertainment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can dine at the Inside Rail restaurant, which offers decent food. During special events, numerous food trucks with diverse options are available.
Yes, there is the Inside Rail restaurant, and during events, you can find various food trucks and stalls offering different cuisines.
Food quality is generally considered decent, with some reviews highlighting good bites from the Inside Rail and a wide variety from food trucks during events.
Prices can vary. Beer during events was noted at $6 for a 16oz can. Food trucks offer a range of prices depending on the vendor.
Yes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available, including beer at reasonable prices during special events.
📸 📸 Photography
For vibrant event photos, capture the fireworks and hot air balloons during festivals. The racetrack offers dynamic action shots.
Yes, you can take photos of the horse races. Be mindful of other guests and avoid using flash photography that might startle the horses.
Absolutely! Events like the Red River Balloon Festival offer stunning visuals with fireworks, balloons, and local vendors.
A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing both the racetrack action and wider event scenes. A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for fireworks.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits. Always check venue policies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🏇 Horse Racing Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Racetrack Experience
When planning your visit to the track, keep in mind that the indoor areas can become quite warm and stuffy, particularly during hotter months. This suggests that while the betting and dining might be comfortable, the viewing experience at the track itself might be less so in peak heat. Checking the racing schedule in advance is crucial to catch the main events and understand the operational hours.
Casino and Entertainment
Beyond the slots, Louisiana Downs also hosts various events throughout the year. These can range from concerts and festivals, like the Red River Balloon Festival, to holiday celebrations such as Fourth of July fireworks displays. These events often feature live music, numerous food trucks with diverse culinary offerings, and local vendors, transforming the venue into a more dynamic entertainment hub. The fireworks shows, in particular, have received high praise, being described as some of the best attendees have seen.
Dining and Refreshments
Beverages are also readily available. During events, beer has been noted at reasonable prices, such as $6 for a 16oz can. While the food and drink options are present, the overall dining experience might be more appealing during special events when the food truck scene is active, offering a more vibrant and varied selection compared to the standard restaurant offerings.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit