Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaming and Entertainment in Opelousas, Louisiana

Introduction

Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino is a premier gaming and entertainment destination located in Opelousas, Louisiana. The complex offers a wide range of activities, including horse racing, casino gaming, live entertainment, fine dining, and luxury accommodations. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the history, amenities, and offerings of Evangeline Downs, providing you with everything you need to know to plan your visit.

History of Evangeline Downs

Evangeline Downs was established in 1983 as a horse racing track. In 1994, the casino was added to the complex, and the property has since expanded to include a hotel and event center. Today, Evangeline Downs is one of the largest and most popular gaming and entertainment complexes in Louisiana.

Amenities

Evangeline Downs offers a wide range of amenities to its guests, including:

• Horse Racing: The track features live horse racing every day except Monday and Tuesday, with post times at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.
• Casino Gaming: The casino offers over 1,400 slot machines, as well as table games such as blackjack, roulette, craps, and poker.
• Live Entertainment: The complex has a state-of-the-art event center that hosts concerts, comedy shows, and other live performances.
• Fine Dining: Evangeline Downs offers a variety of fine dining options, including the Veranda Restaurant, which serves upscale American cuisine, and the Gumbeaux Cajun Steakhouse, which offers authentic Cajun fare.
• Luxury Accommodations: The hotel at Evangeline Downs has 300 rooms and suites, including luxurious VIP suites with private balconies and views of the racetrack.

Casino Gaming

The casino at Evangeline Downs is one of the largest in Louisiana, with over 1,400 slot machines and a variety of table games. The slot machines range from penny slots to high-limit machines, and there is a wide selection of video poker games available as well.

Table Games

The casino offers a variety of table games, including:

• Blackjack: Evangeline Downs offers several variations of blackjack, including classic blackjack, Spanish 21, and Double Exposure Blackjack.
• Roulette: The casino has both American and European roulette tables.
• Craps: Craps is a popular dice game that is offered at Evangeline Downs.
• Poker: The poker room at Evangeline Downs offers a variety of games, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha Hi-Lo, and Seven-Card Stud.

Casino Promotions

Evangeline Downs offers a variety of promotions to its casino guests, including:

• Player's Club: The casino's player's club offers rewards points for every dollar wagered on slots or table games. Points can be redeemed for cash, free play, and other prizes.
• Special Events: The casino hosts special events throughout the year, such as slot tournaments, poker tournaments, and celebrity appearances.
• VIP Program: The casino's VIP program offers exclusive benefits to high-rollers, including priority access to the casino, complimentary dining, and invitations to special events.

Horse Racing

Horse racing is a major attraction at Evangeline Downs. The track offers live racing every day except Monday and Tuesday, with post times at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM.

Races

Evangeline Downs hosts a variety of races, including:

• Thoroughbred Races: Thoroughbred races are the most popular type of race at Evangeline Downs.
• Quarter Horse Races: Quarter horse races are short, sprint races that are popular with fans of Western racing.
• Mixed Breeds: Evangeline Downs also offers races for mixed breed horses, such as Appaloosas and Arabians.

Betting

Guests can bet on horse races at Evangeline Downs in a variety of ways, including:

• Win: Bet on a horse to win the race.
• Place: Bet on a horse to finish first or second.
• Show: Bet on a horse to finish first, second, or third.
• Exacta: Bet on the first two finishers in order.
• Trifecta: Bet on the first three finishers in order.
• Superfecta: Bet on the first four finishers in order.

Horse Racing Promotions

Evangeline Downs offers a variety of promotions to its horse racing fans, including:

• Free Past Performances: The track offers free past performances for every race, which can help you handicap the races and make informed betting decisions.
• Handicapping Seminars: The track hosts handicapping seminars throughout the year, which can help you learn how to read the races and make better bets.
• Special Events: The track hosts special events throughout the year, such as the Louisiana Derby and the Evangeline Breeders' Cup.

Live Entertainment

The Evangeline Event Center is a state-of-the-art event center that hosts a variety of live entertainment, including concerts, comedy shows, and other performances.

Upcoming Events

Some of the upcoming events at the Evangeline Event Center include:

• April 15: Comedian Kevin James
• May 5: Country music star Luke Combs
• June 10: Rock band Hootie & the Blowfish

Tickets

Tickets for events at the Evangeline Event Center can be purchased online or at the box office.

Fine Dining

Evangeline Downs offers a variety of fine dining options, including:

• The Veranda Restaurant: The Veranda Restaurant serves upscale American cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the racetrack.
• Gumbeaux Cajun Steakhouse: Gumbeaux Cajun Steakhouse offers authentic Cajun fare in a casual atmosphere.
• The Derby Cafe: The Derby Cafe is a quick-service restaurant that offers a variety of American comfort food items.

Luxury Accommodations

The hotel at Evangeline Downs has 300 rooms and suites, including luxurious VIP suites with private balconies and views of the racetrack.

Room Types

The hotel offers a variety of room types, including:

• Standard Rooms: Standard rooms are available with either one king bed or two queen beds.
• Deluxe Rooms: Deluxe rooms are larger than standard rooms and offer views of the racetrack.
• Suites: Suites are available with one king bed or two queen beds, and they offer separate living areas.
• VIP Suites: VIP suites are the most luxurious rooms at Evangeline Downs. They offer private balconies, views of the racetrack, and access to the VIP lounge.

Amenities

The hotel at Evangeline Downs offers a variety of amenities, including:

• Swimming pool: The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool that is open seasonally.
• Fitness center: The hotel has a fitness center that is open 24 hours a day.
• Business center: The hotel has a business center that offers computers, printers, and other business services.

Conclusion

Evangeline Downs Racetrack & Casino is a premier gaming and entertainment destination in Opelousas, Louisiana. The complex offers a wide range of activities, including horse racing, casino gaming, live entertainment, fine dining, and luxury accommodations. Whether you are a horse racing enthusiast, a gambler, or simply looking for a fun night out, Evangeline Downs has something for everyone.