Can So. Illinois Bring Horse Racing Back to Prominence in the State

There was a time in Illinois when horse racing, harness racing, horse breeding and the industry that goes with it was healthy. But dwindling prize money and growing competition from other states saw the trade diminish. Senate Bill 1473 could reverse the trend.

Is the sun setting or rising on horse racing in Illinois?

Decatur has a plan though to revitalize the in state industry with a “racino”, a horse racing track and facility along with an attached casino. Illinois has seen state monetary gains from legalized sports betting and could potentially see another bump if Decatur’s “racino” gets the green light.

Horse racing could be in the wide open spaces south of I-80

Illinois has two regularly active tracks. One in Cicero, the other in Fairmont City. Over the last decade three other tracks (Balmoral, Maywood and Arlington) folded. The Hawthorne Race Course in Cicero was supposed to have the first in state “racino” but money issues have kept this project from taking off.

Hawthorne and Fairmount Park

Skittish business owners in Illinois are concerned that a “racino” in Decatur will pull money currently being spent at video gaming machines at businesses in the area and region. Proponents point to all the jobs that will be created with a new track, casino, training facilities, vet practices and more.

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In a state that isn’t the most business friendly, and is looking all over for extra tax revenue, this could help cover some budget shortfalls, and create some commerce. All wins. The negative aspects of “racinos” that could arise, including ones we haven’t thought of? Creative states turn those into wins too.