City and state lawmakers have taken decisive action to preserve the historic Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans as a dedicated horseracing facility amid uncertainty caused by its owner, Churchill Downs, Inc., planning to surrender its racing and gaming licenses. This move follows a state Supreme Court ruling that deemed “Historical Horse Racing” machines illegal without local voter approval, severely impacting Churchill Downs’ profitability. The New Orleans City Council passed a temporary ban on new land uses at the Fair Grounds, with plans for permanent zoning restrictions, while state lawmakers designated the site as a “Louisiana Historic Site,” requiring legislative approval for any demolition or cessation of horseracing.

Despite Churchill Downs’ financial losses and requests for state subsidies being rejected, the company has not disclosed future plans for the property, fueling speculation about a potential sale. Local sports team owner Gayle Benson has expressed interest in maintaining horseracing at the site. City officials emphasized that the Fair Grounds must remain a horseracing venue, rejecting the idea of it becoming solely a casino or other commercial enterprise, underscoring the importance of horseracing as the facility’s core identity and financial foundation.