NEW ORLEANS (Thursday, February 20, 2014) – Fair Grounds Race Course and Slots announced a 10% reduction to overnight purses for the remainder of its 2013-2014 meet.

After carefully monitoring handle generated through the first 57 days of this race meet and purse supplements from slots and video poker operations, it has become necessary to make this adjustment.

While Fair Grounds was able to maintain or increase its market share in both Slots and Video Poker, adverse weather conditions and an overall softness in the pari-mutuel industry forced the change.

Fair Grounds General Manager of Racing Howard “H” Withers stated, “We feel good that we were able to keep the Overnight purses even with last year during the first 57 days, but purse amounts are largely dependent upon handle and must be adjusted as we enter the final stretch of the meet. This extreme weather prevented people across the country from getting to their favorite parlor or OTB and it shows.”