The Downs Racetrack & Casino image

The Downs Racetrack & Casino

Casino

High energy spot for live horse racing, slots, table games & upscale restaurant. People often mention machines, casino, play, Downs, people, money, nice, slots, drink, good,


Address

145 Louisiana Blvd NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108

Website

abqdowns.com

Contact

(505) 767-7171

Rating on Google Maps

3.80 (4.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 11 AM to 2 AM
  • Friday: 10 AM to 4 AM
  • Saturday: 10 AM to 4 AM
  • Sunday: (Easter), 11 AM to 1 AM, Hours might differ
  • Monday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Tuesday: 11 AM to 1 AM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM to 2 AM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: machines (17) casino (16) play (12) Downs (9) people (8) money (8) nice (8) slots (8) drink (7) good (7)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 3/5 Todd W. 1 year ago on Google
    Just an "alright" casino but definitely nothing special. They have a lot of slot options but a number of the games are usually not working. They have 1 computerized blackjack table that can sit about 5 or 6 people as well as a computerized roulette table. The place just has a kind of weird energy to it. It's hard to put into words. There were several people walking around that looked quite sketchy. One guy asked me for a quarter so he could play "one more slot" which was just strange. He was probably raising money to buy drugs or maybe I'm just cynical. I've never had any food there. I did check out the bar once and it was alright. The bartender was quite friendly which was nice because not all of the casino employees have a smile on their face. Some seem outright miserable. I visited a couple of times. I'm in no real hurry to return. I was underwhelmed by the place. But it could be worse..... I would, however, be interested in watching a horse race at the track. The track looks lovely and well maintained with the Sandia Mountains as a backdrop. I think that would be enjoyable.
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 terry c. 1 year ago on Google
    The Downs Casino is now my favorite casino that I visit. I go on Fridays because that’s when “seniors “ over fifty get a free spin for slot play. The least you can get is $5.00 but can get up to $25.00. If I’m not mistaken they have changed the machines up as there are a lot of new ones and ones that are less expensive to play. My favorites are the 10¢ Keno machines where I usually end up being able to play for quite a long time. There is also a row of machines by the cashier cage that you can cover all the lines for only 9¢ but you can play up to $1.80 and win big. Included in that is the 2 X Wild and Crazy, I’ll include a picture. They have assorted places to eat but only tried the one place where it’s kind of self-serve. I got a slice of meat lovers pizza that was loaded with toppings and definitely worth the few dollars they charged. They also have a lounge area where they have live music but again I go there to play the machines not listen to music. In conclusion if you just like to play the slots and not spend a lot of money The Downs is a fantastic place to visit. I went tonight and played on the triple play machine because you can cover all the lines for 9¢. Again I’m not the high roller. I usually go with 18¢ and occasionally 45¢. Last week on only 18¢ I hit $66.00 which made my day. I usually get change or cash out at the teller window and I’ve notice one guy that works as the manager I believe. He is the most professional employee there as he is always keeping an eye out for wrong doings and just makes you feel a lot safer there when cashing out. Tonight I complimented him and his his work ethics and got his name so I can let his supervisors know what a outstanding employee they have. His name is Anthony C. and I believe he must work every Friday night. Anyway this man is fantastic and is just another reason The Downs is my favorite casino.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kenneth B. 1 year ago on Google
    The food here is extraordinary. The prices is surprisingly reasonable. I got a double cheeseburger and fries cheaper than I could have gotten anywhere else and the food is actually better than most of the big brand places. The service not very friendly but I was there just for the food anyway plus I saved money by not having to tip because of not the friendliest service. Fresh and hot. Will eat there more often.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Paul e R. 1 year ago on Google
    I understand why they have so much security but it does bug most people. Every time I have my ID checked two times. Once at the door when you first come into the building and I put my ID back in my wallet walk o er to the entrance of the casino and there is another security personnel which stops me ans asks for my ID, so I have to take it back out of my wallet and give it to them. The slots just don't hit like other casinos. They just seem really tight. I have never on e seen someone get a hand payout. Of course I'm not there everyday but you would think spending 5 hours there In one night you would see a hand payout.... the newest huge problem are the lines to cash in a ticket or break a bill etc. Either all the machines to cash a ticket or not working so you have to go to the cashier which there is only one so the line is ridiculously long. Or only one or two machines are working so again, long lines. I think the downs casino ran better when it was located in the other building.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ruby Red l. 6 months ago on Google
    Well the star should pretty much sum it up, went to the casino and was asked to look in purse, allowed however wanted to search like it was their lost needle in the haystack..after that was done was told ID doesn't look like you (;same id used b4 wasn't an issue) therefore was told to leave. So horrible experience and didn't even make it inside. SHOULD BE AGAINST THE LAW FOR THEM TO SEARCH YOUR PURSE LIKE THAT, I DON'T CARE WHAT THE ATMOSPHERE IS LIKE AND WHAT KIND OF CROWD THEY GET IN THERE..
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 That G. 1 year ago on Google
    The Abq Downs Race Track has done. Great job with their remodel a few years ago. It’s so nice n clean inside. Love the open air vibe. There is a bar inside with betting windows and betting kiosks. Outside has a nice bar and patio area and betting windows available out there too. Great idea for a date day/night. They have handicap parking and valet available too.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kevin C. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to hear Gonzalo and to dance. Was pretty nice. Appreciated that they had fresh cold water for us that don't drink alcohol. Their staff are courteous and friendly too. Only issue is the acoustics, it was too loud. Seems like the sound bounces off the tin roof and off the walls.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Brian P. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to the casino and played a few hundred and even won. I figured I'd go to the bar to get a drink and then it went downhill from there. I found a spot to sit at the bar but none of the bartenders wanted to serve me. I stopped two bartenders while they were working if I could get a drink and they just ignored me. All they did was serve the people waiting in line that walked up. I asked the barback if the only way to get a drink was to get in the line and he told me it would probably be quicker. I wanted to sit at the bar to have a drink not wait in a line and hope I could find another seat. After waiting 20-25 minutes I just left and got a drink at a bar that serves customers at the bar.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert D. 5 months ago on Google
    I believe that this place might just be the best paying casino around here. Im sure many people will disagree but it just seems like its the only place that still has all the old machines that are about to retire any day now. And so it would actually be really cool if they pulled some out of retirement like Crazy Taxi, Ghost Island, Benny Big Game, Or the old nickel machines like jackpot party, reel em in, Something For Nothin. I used to have a strategy that would work pretty good. I would go to the restaurant window of the old downs and you could see it all from it and i would see what nickel machines were flashing and there was always a section where the lights were flashing on top for them them to fill them up and those were the ones to play. I really miss the old downs. All the other casinos are changing out the old machines where it is a minimum bet of like 88 cents and then it pays you like 5 cents if you win on a line which is not cool
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Frank M. 6 months ago on Google
    Not first class. Poor food, not particularly well done. If you like horse racing alot you might enjoy it,otherwise not very good
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Christine L. 1 year ago on Google
    I love this Casino because it's in town and there are a lot of things to do. The down side is the payouts are pretty pathetic, the food at the food court is TERRIBLE, and it closes too early. The employees are great especially the valets who usually go over and above to be helpful. It's the food that is mediocre and the very tight machines that I don't enjoy. Sometimes, though, for some unknown reason things start paying and it's very fun. Worth a visit for sure
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Francine B. 1 year ago on Google
    They Downs close all the most likely to win slot machines 30 min before closing by putting sticky notes on those lucky slots don't dare try to use one them slots they will turn on you quick even kick you out they not trying to stay any longer than they have to just to pay you out, so they lie and say something like those slots are more than likely to jam up or keep your money. Out of all New Mexico casinos the Downs is most rude and your not likely to win they always tweek out the slots so they don't pay good
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mae T. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a small but not too small of a casino. I wish the carding of there guest would stop but I don't think it will. Weekends are to crowded and there are drunk people all over. Stated locking the gate bye the flea market an hour before close and now it's like two hours in or it just keeps getting earlier and earlier when they do it and I think it kind of messed up because ur committing a traffic violation if you go out the other way going north so I feel like they should keep that side open until they close the casino completely so we can all get out and not get us a traffic ticket but they don't care.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Keith S. 1 year ago on Google
    cool and cozy. a little small for my taste but friendly and very tip top shape and clean. felt new and fantastic smelling. ATMs were not working ...
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 No N. 10 months ago on Google
    I have been coming to this casino for years. It is sketchy. But they do their best to manage the parking lot. My issue is I pulled out $50 as a cash advance which I have done numerous times before when I hit my max of $500/day on my debit card. Once or twice their system was down and I couldn't get the money and had to wait 2 hours for it to be back on my debit card...this time, their system was down...I waited 26 hours, my bank shows it WAS pulled out, but the casino is NO help. Told me by Monday I should have it in my account, screw that. Too many other casinos that are far less sketchy I will spend my money at, the very least they could have done was give me some free play
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 C L B. 1 year ago on Google
    I love the downs racetrack, live racing is the best! It's funky, down to earth. The patio is nice and they really dress it up for special events. Lots of room for live music and dancing in the bar, great drink prices. The casino pays as much or more than the fancy upity pueblo casinos.

  • 4/5 Brandon B. 1 year ago on Google
    There's no racetrack in the country that has a full unobstructed view of the mountains like the Downs! The seating is all bleachers unless you pay 5 bucks to sit at a chair/table, which is cheap if you do. Super nice staff that take your bets, and $6 16oz beers ain't bad. Fun day to spend/win a few bucks!

  • 4/5 Michael 4 months ago on Google
    Decent prices for food. Great free coffee. Good security. What more do you need for a pleasant lunch?

  • 2/5 Peter B. 4 months ago on Google
    The only non-native owned and operated casino in the state also features a security team which is a branch of the NM State Police. If not for the location and some good food at reasonable pricing they would have fewer clients than the measly attendance numbers usually on tap. Why you may ask? A good percentage of the active machines don't hit for S blank blank blank T. the rest of the machines are either inactive or antiquated to the point of having buttons that don't work. Few people I know who are avid gamblers hit there;(tight slots) so if it were not in the middle of the city it would draw no crowd at all. Greener pastures lure with more promise and glitzier trappings elsewhere such as Sandia, Santa Ana and even Isleta. The crowd is from the disenfranchised masses who lack transportation to go anywhere else. A great place to throw away bills but one can do that at a strip club or right out the car window, and at least you get some satisfaction from those acts. If I sound like I am bashing this establishment solely and too harshly, I apologize because the truth is that 1 in 6 machines should hit 80% over it's lifetime in payouts (low enough return) but that just isn't the case here in the Land Of Entrapment and it has only gotten worse with fewer players and less cycling of the machines so that even hardcore slot players are thumbing their noses at marketed incentives in favor of other entertainment venues. The over-inflation in the economy post- COVID isn't helping either. My advice to ailing operator's is simple...loosen up your slots to a reasonable degree. We don't mind lifting you from poverty but picking our bones clean so that you can live in corrupted quasi- Royalty can't be sustained. We can get screwed anywhere we spend our hard-earned cash, at least use some lubricant for love's sake ..you will thank me in the morning. Cheers

  • 5/5 sonny R. 9 months ago on Google
    Hate that I lose money haha but it's a nice place. The food there at the little restaurant area is bomb. Very good. Customer service is good although seems a little short staffed on the floor sometimes. Very cool place to go to spend a few bucks though.

  • 5/5 Lindsay Q. 8 months ago on Google
    Great food at an excellent price! Friendly staff and service!

  • 5/5 Carol M. 8 months ago on Google
    Hello 👋. To be honest, I like the casino. I really go to the First Turn Lounge 😊. Usually on Friday or Saturday night. They have awesome bands, a great dance floor, and an awesome staff.!!! I've met a lot of really nice people there.

  • 3/5 Paul M. 11 months ago on Google
    I ate an Indian Taco from the food court at The Downs and was pleasantly surprised at the quality and value I received. I've gone to the Downs for over 15 years and am usually barely satisfied with the entertainment value this place offers. People rarely come out of there very happy. It has sucked the money out of our community for years. All you have to do is step out onto central ave to see just how bad it is. Perhaps someday this place will give back all it has taken . Keep Dreamin.

  • 5/5 Ruby S. 11 months ago on Google
    Friendly staff and loose machines. Walked out with $8k. Not bad for my first visit. Security made sure I got into a taxi safely as I was a little tipsy. Overall had lots of fun.

  • 1/5 Silviano G. 1 year ago on Google
    You would think that after I gave this place a few bad reviews they would stop harrassing me. They never even have attempted to try and make things between us right. No apologies. Just more security on me like always. Then play this sound that mimics the radar sound of a subway submerged under water. Call me a conspiracy nut but its true. I've even got it on recording. I would just like to be treated like a paying customer. All I've done is play n happen to hit mini jackpots so they think I have a wand. I invite them to strip search me if it will get them to leave me alone. Because of gave recognition. I get the same treatment in other places. So I'm going to ask my 260,000 followers to help me make this viral. Maybe then I will receive better treatment and an apology. "Word to the Wise!"

  • 5/5 Mercedes M. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome food at the food court; HIGHLY RECOMMEND their any and all of their fries and their banana pudding for dessert. Great and kind staff definitely very friendly. I love the amount of security they have in and out of the building, which makes me feel comfortable and safe when I am there and leave my car parked outside with lots of belongings.

  • 4/5 Will S. 1 year ago on Google
    Very fun fast energetic atmosphere. The Service is one of the best I've experienced from a Casino! The crowd is a different story... It's location being right in the middle of the "war zone" makes your peers not the friendliest.


Call (505) 767-7171 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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