Chalmette Fair Grounds OTB & Casino Review

Located in New Orleans, Louisiana, Chalmette Fair Grounds OTB & Casino functions primarily as a casino, offering patrons an opportunity for entertainment and gaming. Based on recent customer feedback, the experience at this establishment presents a mixed bag of positive interactions with staff and significant concerns regarding the gaming environment.

👍 The Positives: Friendly Staff & Cleanliness

• Employee Courtesy: Multiple visitors consistently praise the staff. Reviewers describe employees as "nice," "great," and "friendly," contributing positively to the overall atmosphere. One user specifically thanked "friendly cops" for their service, highlighting the supportive presence.
• Cleanliness: An older review from a few years ago highlights the casino as "very clean." This suggests that at one point, cleanliness was a strong point for the establishment.
• Overall Enjoyment: Some patrons have reported having "a lot of fun" during their visits, indicating that for certain individuals, the venue delivers on its promise of entertainment.

👎 The Negatives: Overwhelming Smoke & Gaming Concerns

The most prominent and frequently cited negative aspect of Chalmette Fair Grounds OTB & Casino, particularly in recent reviews, is the issue of cigarette smoke.

1. Pervasive Cigarette Smoke: 💨 This is a significant concern for many visitors, often impacting their ability to enjoy or even enter the premises.
   • Several recent reviews describe the smoke as overpowering, with one potential first-time visitor being entirely deterred by the smell at the entrance, preventing them from even seeing the inside.
   • A reviewer explicitly states that the smoke "stinks up neighboring business" and is a "direct violation of the Louisiana Smoke-Free Air Act of 2007," urging others to file complaints with Parish Code Enforcement.
   • This pervasive smoke creates an unwelcoming and potentially unhealthy environment for non-smokers and those sensitive to cigarette odors.
2. Gaming Experience & Machine Issues: Beyond the smoke, some patrons have raised concerns about the gaming experience itself.
   • One user expressed dissatisfaction with their gaming luck, spending $300 but receiving only "one bonus," leading to the sentiment of "never win anything anymore." This suggests a perceived low payout rate.
   • Another reviewer pointed out the need for "more machines fixed" and highlighted an issue with patrons "playing several machines n holding them while they play others," which can impact the availability and fairness for other players looking to enjoy the games.

Overall Impression

Chalmette Fair Grounds OTB & Casino appears to have a commendable team of employees who provide a pleasant service experience. However, the casino faces significant criticism, particularly regarding its air quality due to cigarette smoke. For individuals sensitive to smoke or those seeking a smoke-free gaming environment, this venue might prove challenging. Prospective visitors should weigh the reported friendly service against the persistent issue of smoke and consider recent feedback on machine availability and gaming outcomes before planning their visit.