The landscape of gaming and entertainment in Illinois is evolving, with Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park leading the charge towards a new era of racinos. In recent updates presented to the Illinois Gaming Board, both venues showcased steady progress in their plans for racinos, promising a future of enhanced offerings for patrons.
Hawthorne Race Course:
Hawthorne Race Course, nestled in the vibrant south Chicago suburb of Stickney, has been on a trajectory towards establishing a racino since its preliminary suitability declaration in July 2020. Despite the absence of concrete timelines for its opening, the track has been making strides in laying the groundwork for this transformative venture.
In addition to its racino aspirations, Hawthorne Race Course has been actively engaging with the sports betting realm, offering retail sports betting experiences. Notably, the track has partnered with PointsBet, soon to be rebranded as Fanatics Sportsbook, to provide patrons with immersive sports wagering opportunities. This diversification of offerings positions Hawthorne Race Course as a multifaceted hub of entertainment, catering to a diverse array of preferences.
Fairmount Park:
Situated near the Missouri border, Fairmount Park is another key player in Illinois’ gaming landscape, with ambitions to venture into the realm of racinos. Following its preliminary suitability declaration several months after Hawthorne Race Course, Fairmount Park has been steadily advancing its plans, albeit without firm timelines for implementation.
Fairmount Park has already made significant strides in the realm of sports betting, exemplified by its rebranding to FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing upon the opening of its sportsbook in March 2021. This strategic alignment with FanDuel underscores Fairmount Park’s commitment to offering cutting-edge gaming experiences to its patrons, leveraging the popularity and innovation synonymous with the FanDuel brand.
Statewide Implications:
The progress showcased by Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park holds broader implications for the Illinois gaming landscape. As these venues diversify their offerings to encompass both racinos and sports betting, they contribute to the state’s burgeoning gaming revenue stream.
The Illinois Gaming Board’s report of $141.2 million in casino revenue from table games and slots in December underscores the significance of the gaming industry to the state’s economy. The notable increase from November 2023 further highlights the sector’s resilience and potential for growth.
Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park are at the forefront of reshaping Illinois’ gaming landscape, with their ambitious plans for racinos complementing their existing offerings in the realm of sports betting. While specific timelines for the implementation of racinos remain elusive, the progress exhibited by these venues signals a promising future for the state’s gaming industry. As Illinois continues to embrace innovation and expansion in gaming, Hawthorne Race Course and Fairmount Park stand poised to play pivotal roles in driving economic prosperity and delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences to patrons.