Located in Shreveport, Louisiana, Louisiana Downs stands as a unique entertainment complex, combining the allure of a casino with the thrill of live horse racing. User reviews paint a picture of a venue that excels in hosting vibrant, family-friendly events while offering a mixed bag of experiences when it comes to its primary attractions.
For those seeking casino action, Louisiana Downs primarily offers a wide array of slot machines. Guests have described the atmosphere as generally friendly, with some reporting enjoyable experiences and even "blessings with some winnings." A notable perk mentioned by patrons is the availability of free drinks within the casino area. However, it's crucial for prospective visitors to be aware of a significant limitation: Louisiana Downs' casino does not feature table games. Furthermore, several critical reviews consistently highlight concerns about the slot machines being "tight" and "virtually impossible to win," with some machines described as "worn out" or having "missing buttons." This suggests a varied experience on the casino floor, depending on individual luck and expectations.
The horse racing track is a central attraction at Louisiana Downs, drawing in many enthusiasts. Events like the Superderby are particularly praised as a "blast" by attendees who "love watching the horse races." Beyond traditional horse racing, the venue has also successfully hosted unique, family-oriented events such as camel and ostrich races, which have been a hit with children. Despite the excitement of the races, some critical feedback points to the quality of the horses as "third rate" with "low purses," and describes the general atmosphere downstairs during races as being populated by "tired old cigarette smoking drunks making $2.00 bets."
Where Louisiana Downs truly shines, according to multiple reviews, is in its ability to host large-scale, family-friendly events. The Hot Air Balloon event and New Year's family event received glowing praise. These events were celebrated for:
These events clearly demonstrate the venue's potential to deliver memorable, top-tier entertainment beyond its core casino and racing offerings.
While the food truck options at special events are well-regarded, the permanent dining facilities receive mixed reviews. Snacks and beverages in the track area are considered "reasonably priced." However, the Inside Rail Sports Bar & Grill faced strong criticism for its "mediocre" food, described as "frozen bulls*!" and lacking thoughtful menu combinations (e.g., chicken fried steak without mashed potatoes). Complaints also include "up-charges on everything" and a strict "no substitutions" policy.
On the positive side, the property is often described as clean and well maintained, and many patrons acknowledge the "kind & courteous servers." However, one notable negative experience involved a security guard "unnecessarily yell[ing]" at guests over a lost item, leading to strong criticism regarding professionalism and guest treatment. This isolated incident highlights the importance of consistent staff training in customer relations, particularly in a hospitality setting.
Louisiana Downs offers a diverse entertainment experience. Its special events are a clear highlight, providing exceptional value and enjoyment for families and individuals alike, often featuring impressive fireworks and a lively atmosphere. The horse racing provides traditional excitement for fans. The casino, while offering numerous slots and free drinks, is constrained by the absence of table games and reports of tight machines. Visitors primarily looking for a casino experience should manage their expectations regarding variety and winning potential. Those attending special events or enjoying horse racing are likely to find Louisiana Downs a worthwhile destination.
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!☆
Nice casino, no table games but lots of slots. Love watching the horse races and the Superderby is a blast. This is one of my top 3 favorite casinos in Shreveport Bossier. Free drinks in the casino and reasonably priced snacks and beverages in the track area. They have areas for kids and I brought my kids to watch camel and ostrich races a few years ago. They loved it!
The New Years family event was great and the fireworks were even better. The kids had a blast with the dancing and live music. Only reason that they are not going to receive 5 stars from this review is because my wife lost her keys and they got turned in. So we walked to the stand where we were told to collect them from and when my wife and so. We’re walking up behind me the security guard unnecessarily yelled at her and my son. There is plenty of cameras that it can be reviewed. I have worked in some high security locations and was never treated that way. There is stages on how to handle situations. This individual doesn’t need to be in that position if he can’t handle it without having a power trip and forget how to treat guest.
My beautiful wife and I stopped in while visiting my aunt in Bossier...we enjoyed the casino good slots and friendly atmosphere..plus we were blessed with some winnings...we will return..keep up the good work...see yall later..(blessings)..
*Read Recent Updates Below* During racing season the horse track is the only excitement and entertainment. The casino sucks ! Update 12/18/20 the slots have become so tight it's virtually impossible to win. They don't even tease you to allow a little bit of fun. Snatching a twenty dollar bill on a penny machine in less than 10 minutes. Nobody has a smile on their face of having an enjoyable time. Casino's are on a greed run. Update 8/14//2022 new owners the same old story, the same old song and dance. The casino still is trash, the horse racing is nothing but third rate horses, low purses, with a tired bunch of drunks smoking cigarettes. Update July 17, 2023 The casino is done many of the machines are so wore out they're missing buttons. The racetrack is the absolute worst case scenario, just the same old regular drunken slobs getting drunker chain smoking cigarettes. If this how the owner intends to draw out of town visitors good luck. I'd bet the horses are planning a take over. 6/3/2024 the track is terrible, downstairs just a bunch of tired old cigarette smoking drunks making $2.00 bets. The quality of horses is not much different other than the horses are not drinking or smoking! 7/6/2024 The Inside Rail Sports Bar & Grill immaculate, but the food is just mediocre. Whomever decided the menu is nothing short of an idiot. Chicken fried steak with no mashed potatoes or rice & gravy? They offer some canned hog slop called "loaded mashed potatoes".🤮 They try to up-charge on everything, no substitutions. Everything is frozen bulls****! 12/19/2024 It's really a shame how this place is run, can the owner not find any qualified help to oversee this place? I surely hope he's not running it himself, because if he is, he needs to use a totally different marketing approach, before "LIVE" casino opens up and puts his 20 million dollar Mickey Mouse operation out of business! Hanging out with the big fish in the small pond crowd at "Christmas In The Sky" is not going to save you Kevin. You need to realize those people couldn't careless about you and they patronize another casino. 12/26/2024 In response to the question as to why I revisit places and give updates, I'll give two answers. (1) I'm a upper level Google guide with over 48 million plus views of my pictures and reviews. I provide truthful accurate information to your potential visitors who make their decision to visit your property based on my review . (2) It's obvious that I struck a nerve, so maybe you should correct the things I pointed out, in order to make a significant difference in my next review by making it more positive . Your property is clean and well maintained. If things change for better or worse I'll review it and report it appropriately. The kind & courteous servers are helpless having to deal with unhappy patrons. 😂😂😂😂🤮