Horse racing tracks in Illinois have long been contemplating the transition to racinos, combining the excitement of horse racing with the allure of casino gambling. Two prominent tracks in the state, Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park, have been making progress in their racino plans, albeit at a slow pace. When either will open, however, is still a mystery, as the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) recently found out.
The IGB plays a crucial role in overseeing the racino development process, ensuring that the interests of consumers and the state are protected. The board’s emphasis on timely progress and the fulfillment of commitments reflects the importance of delivering on the approved plans.
Hawthorne Race Course, located in the south Chicago suburb of Stickney, has been at the forefront of the racino movement in Illinois. In July 2020, the IGB deemed Hawthorne “preliminary suitable” for a racino, setting the stage for the transformation. The track has already ventured into retail sports betting and operates sportsbooks at three off-track betting (OTB) locations in compliance with state law.
Despite initial progress, Hawthorne Race Course has encountered hurdles in its racino development. Hawthorne CEO of Gaming Kevin Kline presented an in-progress report to the IGB, shedding light on the challenges faced by the track.
While specific details about financing remain confidential, Kline assured the board that Hawthorne is actively engaged in securing funding for its $400 million racino project. Once funding and approvals are in place, construction can commence on the shovel-ready plan, aiming to utilize the entire 110-acre track grounds for development while racing activities continue.
Fairmount Park, situated near St. Louis and the Missouri border, has also set its sights on transforming into a racino. The track also received the “preliminary suitable” designation from the IGB a few months after Hawthorne Race Course. Fairmount Park has already ventured into retail sports betting and rebranded to FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing upon the opening of its sportsbook in March 2021.
However, Fairmount Park has faced its share of challenges in progressing towards a racino. Melissa Helton, president and general manager of FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing, provided an update to the IGB, acknowledging difficulties in consolidating various aspects of the project due to health issues within the ownership group.
Despite these setbacks, progress has been made in defining the demolition zones and the preliminary layout of the casino floor for gaming positions. Owner Bill Stiritz is committed to fully financing the racino, providing a solid foundation for future development.
In 2023, the total handle for horse racing in Illinois, including off-track betting sites, was close to $191.7 million, with Hawthorne Race Course accounting for 86 percent of that amount. The addition of racinos at Hawthorne and Fairmount Park would likely attract a broader audience, combining the horse racing with the entertainment options offered by casinos. This expansion could boost handle numbers and drive increased interest in horse racing, benefiting the entire ecosystem of the sport.
Moreover, the construction and operation of racinos would create job opportunities and generate tax revenue for the state and local governments. The racinos would contribute to the overall growth of the gambling industry in Illinois and provide a competitive edge in the regional market.
