LV firm may have to sell track

Monday, Dec. 10, 2001 | 9:59 a.m.

VINTON, La. -- The casino company that bought Delta Downs says it might have to sell the horse racing track if it loses another casino company's challenge to its plans for 1,700 slot machines.

Boyd Gaming Corp. of Las Vegas made the statement in recent filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

On Nov. 20, as Boyd was trying to work out a configuration plan for its 15,000-square-foot parlor, a state judge sidelined plans to open it.

Giving a gambling license to Boyd would violate state laws, State District Judge Jewel "Duke" Welch said. He issued a preliminary injunction to keep Boyd Racing from getting the license until the lawsuit is tried.

The suit, filed by the Isle of Capri, contends that the track's former owner still has an economic interest in Delta Downs, so the slot operation cannot begin until he has gone through a suitability check.

In the SEC filing, Boyd said it is not certain of winning the lawsuit.

The company has spent $35 million in expansions and renovations, including s a 350-seat buffet, a 200-seat fine dining restaurant, a sports bar and small food outlets.

Boyd asked the Louisiana Supreme Court on Nov. 21 to overturn Welch's order, but the high court said it had to go through appeals court.