700 Slots at Fair Grounds may counter the 2003 charter
Slot machines were approved in Orleans Parish back in 2003 and the compact was sealed between the track and Harrah’s New Orleans Casino. Under this compact slot machines at tracks would not breach Harrah’s monopoly on the land based gambling across the parish.
Recently, city officials were looking closely into the matter of slots at Fair Grounds Race Course to see whether gambling limitations allowing only the downtown New Orleans casino would not be conflicted. Currently, the city and the track’s owner, Churchill Downs are discussing the casino’s operational details.
David Payton, Interim City Council turned to the city attorney for a legal advice on the matter of 700 slot machines to be planted at Fair Grounds. His major concern was that a charter amendment would be required in order to reflect the 2003 state legislation and popular referendum. Only the public polling can revise a city charter. Meanwhile, the company has filed for a slot machine license.
