The sports bets are on in Vinton at Delta Downs. Thursday marked the grand opening of the FanDuel Sportsbook at Delta Downs Racetrack, Hotel and Casino. NFL Hall of Famer Randy White placed the ceremonial first bet and Delta Downs hosted a special ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate this milestone for Delta Downs, Boyd Gaming and FanDuel.

“The debut of the FanDuel Sportsbook is an exciting moment for all of us at Delta Downs,” said VP/General Manager, Steve Kuypers, “a new amenity for our guests and yet another reason to visit the property.”

Kuypers said Boyd Gaming and FanDuel have seen tremendous results in other states.

“We expect similar success here in Vinton,” he said.

On Election Day last year, 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes — including Calcasieu Parish — approved sports betting, but gaming companies holding the state’s coveted casino licenses have been waiting for legislative framework created this spring to take effect.

“We’ve been planning this move into the Louisiana market for some time,” said Kevin Hennessy, FanDuel. “People in the state are crazy for their sports teams. We look forward to providing customers in Louisiana and Texas with a great game day, game night experience.”

The FanDuel sports betting brand is operating at various locations in 13 states. Two ribbon cuttings on Thursday, — the first in Kenner and the second in Vinton — marked their foray into the Bayou State.

Hennessy said the sports betting crowd targets a different group than other Delta Downs race track and other gaming options, a plus for the venue.

“People can come in, place their bets at a kiosk and leave,” Hennessy said. “Or, they can enjoy comfortable seating in an area and watch the outcome of the game on one of Delta Downs’ many big-screen TVs.”

Hennessy said the good thing about taking sports betting away from the gray or illegal market is now it is taxed and regulated. The state will benefit and now protections are in place for the consumer.

Randy White has been described as the most dominant defensive tackle in NFL history, earning the nickname “Manster,” because he was half man, half monster. He retired from the Dallas Cowboys in 1994.

“He placed his $20 bet on the Dallas Cowboys over Washington,” said Joshua Britt, marketing manager for Delta Downs Racetrack, Casino and Hotel.