Derby City Gaming Revitalizes Louisville with New Venue

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Churchill Downs Incorporated has ushered in a new era of historical horse racing entertainment with the grand opening of Derby City Gaming Downtown in Louisville, Kentucky. This momentous occasion marks another chapter in the company’s commitment to revitalizing historical Kentucky horse racing culture through modern gaming experiences.

Situated at the heart of Louisville on 140 S. 4th Street, Derby City Gaming Downtown emerges from a substantial $90 million investment, initially divulged in October 2021. The sprawling 43,000-square-foot facility is now home to 500 historical horse racing (HHR) machines that bring the bygone races back to life. Alongside this, patrons have access to a comprehensive race and sportsbook, allowing them to immerse themselves in pari-mutuel wagering amid the euphoria of sports.


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The newly inaugurated venue doesn’t just entice gaming enthusiasts with HHR machines; it also boasts of three delectable restaurants, a Kentucky Derby-themed gift shop and an outdoor smoking patio—equipped with its own selection of HHR terminals for those who prefer to indulge in two pleasures at once, acknowledging the statewide indoor smoking ban.

This novel enterprise is not Churchill Downs’ first foray into Derby City’s HHR scene. It complements the existing Derby City Gaming facility, intensifying the company’s presence in Louisville. The broader complex at Derby City Gaming Hotel at Louisiana Downs showcases over 1,300 HHR games and features a recently launched hotel with 123 guest rooms ready to welcome visitors.

Beyond the city’s boundaries, Churchill Downs has woven a network of HHR gaming options across Kentucky, with similarly themed venues stationed at Ellis Park in Henderson, Newport Racing & Gaming, Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel, and Turfway Park in Florence, firmly establishing the company as a frontrunner in racing-inspired gaming.

The aspirations that Churchill Downs Incorporated nurtures aren’t confined to gaming alone. The investment in downtown Louisville is a testament to the belief in the city’s resilience and resurgence in a post-pandemic world. Bill Carstanjen, the company’s CEO, articulated the vision of reinvigorating the urban landscape of Louisville, emphasizing the role of the venue in sparking a revival, especially as the downtown area fights to overcome the adverse impacts of COVID-19.

A sobering reminder of the pandemic’s lingering effects was highlighted by a University of Toronto study, pinpointing Louisville as one of the cities hardest hit in regards to diminishing foot traffic, second only to St. Louis. With a footfall barely over half pre-pandemic levels, the city’s recovery is yet to gain full momentum.

Kentucky remains a state where traditional casino gambling is prohibited. However, the advent of HHR devices since 2010 has carved out a niche within the region’s legal frameworks. The machines, reminiscent of typical casino slots but based on the outcomes of past horse races, initially skirted legality issues due to their pari-mutuel nature and alignment with the state’s esteemed horse racing industry. Despite this, 2010 saw the Kentucky Supreme Court labeling them as illegal gambling, prompting swift legislative action to legalize and preserve the vital revenue stream they offered for horsemen and the wider industry, protecting jobs and state tax revenue alike.

As Churchill Downs Incorporated cements its leadership in HHR operations within Kentucky, it casts a wider net to neighboring states, with significant investments in Virginia’s burgeoning market. Here, the company anticipates expanding its Rosie’s Gaming Emporium brand and reinforcing its market presence with The Rose—a lavish $372 million HHR resort in the strategic location of Dumfries, not far from the nation’s capital.

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