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Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack

4
·3k reviews·Bossier City, United States

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday afternoons

Live racing and betting opportunities

CrowdMedium
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Exterior

Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack

Best Time

Saturday afternoons

Live racing and betting opportunities

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4
(3k reviews)

"The fireworks show at the end was the best one I've seen in all my 35 years of living!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Box Seat Views

For unobstructed racetrack views, aim for boxes 4 or 5; box 6A has a pole obstruction. 💺

💨 Beat the Heat

The racetrack area can get hot and stuffy; consider visiting during cooler hours or events. :thermometer:

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4 · 2,753 reviews

Type

Casino

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thoroughbred Racing Action

Thoroughbred Racing Action

Racetrack

Experience the thrill of live thoroughbred horse racing with a variety of betting options.

Reddit
Casino Floor Excitement

Casino Floor Excitement

Casino

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

Reddit
Red River Balloon Festival

Red River Balloon Festival

Event Grounds

Witness spectacular fireworks and hot air balloons during this popular annual event.

Instagram+1
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Heat

While the casino floor is updated, the racetrack area can get hot and stuffy, especially during summer events. Consider visiting during cooler months or evenings. For the best racetrack views, aim for boxes 4 or 5 to avoid obstructed sightlines from poles. Reddit

Event-Specific Planning

Louisiana Downs hosts various events like the Red River Balloon Festival and Fourth of July fireworks. Check their schedule in advance, as these can significantly impact crowds and offer unique experiences with food trucks and live music. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Saturday afternoons
Why
Live racing and betting opportunities
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings
Why
Escape the heat, enjoy events
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Fireworks, balloons, concerts
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#bossiercity #boardwalk #louisiana #ghosttown
@clynnla47
8.4K likes • 162.4K views

🎯 Box Seat Views

For unobstructed racetrack views, aim for boxes 4 or 5; box 6A has a pole obstruction. Reddit 💺

💨 Beat the Heat

The racetrack area can get hot and stuffy; consider visiting during cooler hours or events. Reddit :thermometer:

#louisiana #bossiercity #bossier #boardwalk #northlouisiana #abandonedplaces
@clynnla47
7.5K likes • 133.1K views
Fireworks in Red River Balloon Festival, Louisiana Downs Casino and Racetrack. #redriverballoonrally @redriver.balloonrally #louisianadowns @louisianadownsofficial #louisiana #louisianatravel #shreveport #bossier #louisianaphotographer @only.in.louisiana #instagood #video
akhilesh.kumar.9619
16 likes • 431 views

📱 Event Schedules

Check the Louisiana Downs schedule for special events like fireworks and concerts. Instagram 📅

🍽️ Dining Options

Enjoy food from Inside Rail restaurant or explore diverse food trucks during events. Reddit :forkandknifewithplate:

Good morning! Rusty Texan Deli & Bar Louisiana Downs Casino & Racetrack Guitars and Cadillacs KCFat Jacks Oyster and Sports Bar Texarkana AR Dam Bar Front Street Steakhouse
jakegillmusic
3 likes • 365 views

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. Reddit 💺

💨 Beat the Heat

The racetrack area can get hot and stuffy; consider visiting during cooler hours or events. Reddit :thermometer:

📱 Event Schedules

Check the Louisiana Downs schedule for special events like fireworks and concerts. Instagram 📅

🍽️ Dining Options

Enjoy food from Inside Rail restaurant or explore diverse food trucks during events. Reddit :forkandknifewithplate:

💸 Betting Lines

Lines at betting stations are generally short, even during busy periods. Reddit :moneywithwings:

What Travellers Say

4
(3k reviews)

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

"My family and I had the BEST time at the Hot Air Balloon event!
☆there were so many great food trucks there, with so much variety. There was also regular "fair" food inside including nachos, hot dogs etc.
☆reasonable prices on beer•|| $6/16oz can||•
☆favorite part was all of the local vendors selling their artwork, clothing, candles, jewelry...you name it!
☆live music/bands all night (all of them were great!)

☆THE FIREWORK SHOW AT THE END WAS THE BEST ONE IVE SEEN IN ALL MY 35 YEARS OF LIVING! ☆

☆PERFECT ENDING TO A PERFECT NIGHT!☆"

Erin

What People Like

Live horse racing
Updated casino floor
Special event fireworks

What People Dislike

Dated racetrack area
Hot indoor temperatures
No non-smoking section

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. InstagramReddit

Public transportation options are limited. It's generally recommended to drive or use ride-sharing services to reach the venue. TikTok

Parking is available, though reviews suggest the parking lot can sometimes be littered with trash. Reddit

Yes, Louisiana Downs is easily accessible from Shreveport, which is just across the Red River. The drive is typically short. Instagram

While there isn't a hotel directly on-site, there are numerous hotels in the surrounding Bossier City and Shreveport areas. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

General admission to the casino and racetrack is typically free. Special events may have an admission fee. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🏇 Onsite Experience

Louisiana Downs primarily features thoroughbred horse racing. Reddit

You can place various types of bets on the horse races, including win, place, and show bets. Lines at betting stations are usually short. Reddit

Currently, there is no dedicated non-smoking section in the casino, which is a drawback for some visitors. Reddit

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. Reddit

During special events like the Fourth of July or the Red River Balloon Festival, there are family-friendly activities, food trucks, and entertainment. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. InstagramReddit

Yes, there is the Inside Rail restaurant, and during events, you can find various food trucks and stalls offering different cuisines. InstagramReddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

Yes, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available, including beer at reasonable prices during special events. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

For vibrant event photos, capture the fireworks and hot air balloons during festivals. The racetrack offers dynamic action shots. Instagram+1

Yes, you can take photos of the horse races. Be mindful of other guests and avoid using flash photography that might startle the horses. Reddit

Absolutely! Events like the Red River Balloon Festival offer stunning visuals with fireworks, balloons, and local vendors. Instagram+1

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. Instagram

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or videography might require special permits. Always check venue policies. Instagram

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