Ruling against the interests of four race tracks, the Supreme Court of Louisiana declared unconstitutional a statute legalizing historical horse racing machines without first requiring local voter approval.
Lawsuits challenging gaming on HHR using devices that visually resemble slot machines were brought by local voters and residents against entities that own Delta Downs, Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, Louisiana Downs, and Evangeline Downs. The state supreme court ruling against the tracks was handed down March 21 and will, according to at least one track operator, lead to cuts in purses.
HHR gaming operations began in Louisiana after the state legislature passed a law in 2021 incorporating HHR as a form of pari-mutuel wagering. The latter form of gaming has long been authorized by Louisiana law.
