And they’re off! Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa opened pari-mutuel wagering Thursday, allowing patrons of the casino to bet on horse racing events across the county.
Harlow’s is the first casino in the Delta to offer pari- mutuel wagering.
The event comes at a big time for horse racing, just ahead of the race for the Triple Crown that starts with the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 4.
“We’re excited to offer Harlow’s newest amenity to our guests,” said Roscoe Greene, President and General Manager of Harlow’s. “When our guests walk through the door, they expect an exciting, top-of-the-line experience, and pari-mutuel wagering is another way we’re delivering on that promise.
For those who need assistance with the machines or an explanation of horse racing betting, Harlow’s has staff on hand to help people enjoy the races and the wagers.
“We’re making it easy to play the ponies, providing well-trained and skilled attendants that can assist with placing a bet,” Greene said.
Pari-mutuel bets at Harlow’s can be placed 24 hours a day at three convenient wagering terminals located in the area near the Stage Bar.
The pari-mutuel wagering terminals are powered by United Tote, a Churchill Downs company. Churchill Downs, which has become synonymous with the Kentucky Derby, also owns Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa.
“This is all happening at a big time for Harlow’s,” Greene said. “With our relationship to Churchill Downs and having the Kentucky Derby just around the corner, we’re off to a fast start for pari-mutuel wagering in the Delta.”
Harlow’s will celebrate the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby with several exciting events, including a special reception and race view party, a slot tournament and drawing, plus an exclusive video message to Harlow’s guests recorded live from the Kentucky Derby.
Harlow’s invites tourists and locals alike to experience pari-mutuel wagering for themselves.
“With exciting racing action, knowledgeable staff and innovative wagering technology, guests will experience the thrill of playing the ponies like never before,” Greene said.
Several months ago, Harlow’s expended options to include sports betting.
The casino now has 21 kiosk sports betting machines scattered throughout the gambling floor. Greene said these machines are user friendly and anyone who wishes to make a bet can come to the casino and his staff will guide them through the process.
The minimum bet on the kiosk machine is $1.
“We are offering betting on all the major sports and also sports from around the world,” Greene said.
The casino, he said, also has a number of big screen televisions that will allow gamblers to watch the games they bet on.
Sports betting became legal in Mississippi last year, 26 years after the state opened its first casino.
In May 2018, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act, a federal law enacted in 1992. This act made gambling on sports illegal in all states but Nevada.
Sports betting became legal in Mississippi by way of a 2017 law legalizing daily fantasy sports in the state. Legislators quietly removed language prohibiting wagering on sports in the event the federal ban ever fell.
That became a reality when the Supreme Court struck down PASPA in May.
About Churchill Downs Incorporated
Churchill Downs Incorporated ("CDI") (Nasdaq: CHDN), headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is an industry-leading racing, gaming and online entertainment company anchored by their iconic flagship event - The Kentucky Derby. Churchill Downs is the largest legal online account wagering platform for horseracing in the U.S., through their ownership of TwinSpires.com.
The company is also a leader in brick-and-mortar casino gaming with approximately 10,000 gaming positions in eight states. Churchill Downs has launched BetAmerica Sportsbook at their two Mississippi casino properties and have announced our plans to enter additional U.S. real money online gaming and sports betting markets. Additional information about CDI can be found online at churchilldownsincorporated.com.
About Harlow’s Casino Resort and Spa
Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa, a Churchill Downs Incorporated (Nasdaq: CHDN) owned property, is designed to offer an exciting gaming experience for every player with the best of everything in the Mississippi Delta. Harlow’s features a 33,000 square foot casino entertainment complex with over 700 slot machines and a variety of table games; a multi-purpose event center for conferences, world-class entertainment and banquets; luxurious hotel accommodations, spa, fitness center and outdoor pool; and four restaurants including fine dining.
