Editor’s Note: Joe Boozell, the lead writer for Play Illinois and author of “What’s That Illi-Noise? Ask Joe,” is available to answer any questions you may have regarding legal gaming in Illinois. Submit your inquiries to @Play_Illinois on Twitter or email them to [email protected].
In the near future, Illinois is expected to have a minimum of two “racinos.” If you’re curious, a racino is a combination of a racetrack and a casino.
A racino is a hybrid of a horse racing track and a gaming facility.
Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park, soon to be known as FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Race, are preparing to launch racinos in the coming years.
Customers can enjoy horse races while also playing casino games and board games indoors.
Sportsbooks will also be available at the FanDuel and Hawthorne racinos, making these locations a hub for various gambling opportunities.
It is always important to gamble responsibly.
This is what we know about the two future racinos in Illinois.
Hawthorne Race Course
Located just outside of Chicago in Stickney, Hawthorne Race Course is situated.
The new racino will feature a multilevel parking garage, enhanced horse wagering facilities, and a variety of new dining choices.
Dakota Schultz, the Director of Communications at Hawthorne, stated that the racino would showcase some popular culinary brands from Chicago.
In addition to a retail sportsbook that was briefly open prior to the recent surge in Illinois COVID-19 cases, PointsBet is the operator.
Kevin Kline, the CEO of gaming at Hawthorne, stated:
“I believe many were anticipating us to just add slot machines and tables to our current venue, but we are determined to redefine the concept of a regional integrated casino, racing, and entertainment destination.”
The interior of the monitor has been emptied out to facilitate a simpler redesign.
There was hope that the racino would open by late 2021, but the possibility of COVID-19 causing delays means it wouldn’t be surprising if the opening date is pushed to 2022.
FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Race
We have limited information on the specific plans for FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Race, but it is expected to offer similar amenities as Hawthorne, including horse racing, slots, table games, and a sportsbook.
The new FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Race venue will be situated in Collinsville, previously known as Fairmount Park, within the St. Louis region.
FanDuel and Fairmount officials have announced their intention to invest millions of dollars into the facility, although the specific amount has not been disclosed.
Melissa Helton, the general manager of Fairmount Park, expressed her desire for the retail sportsbook to open by the Super Bowl. However, this will depend on approval from the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) and the state’s COVID-19 situation.
When news of the FanDuel-Fairmount deal broke, officials stressed that there would be substantial improvements made to the horse track.
Over the past century, conditions had worsened, and purse designs were ranked as some of the poorest in the nation.
What about Arlington Park?
Arlington Park is not currently seeking a sports gambling or game certificate.
Churchill Downs currently owns it and has shown no interest in expanding it.
Arlington Park, being the most renowned animal track in Illinois, seems to hold vast untapped potential.
Unless a casino or racino is sold, it is unlikely that we will see any of them.
In July, Churchill Downs CEO Bill Carstanjen suggested that a potential sale could be on the horizon, stating that “Arlington Park is not the long-term solution.”
We have shown patience, consideration, and helpfulness to all parties involved in that jurisdiction. However, the land will eventually be sold, requiring the transfer of the license in order for it to continue.
He continued, “While everything is certain, it is undeniable that it is on our minds.”
This is a story worth keeping an eye on, as the potential sale of Arlington could signal ambitious intentions from any potential buyer.
