Illinois' Casino-Racetrack Dream Remains Unrealized yet Again
Expansion bill for horse racing and racinos falters, fails to reach end in Illinois legislature
The dream of casinos at horse-racing facilities in Illinois, spearheaded by Senate Bill 1473, continues to elude realization. This legislation aimed to breathe new life into the horse racing industry, but it sadly fell short once more this year.
Senate Bill 1473 is all about creating a new harness track and casino in Macon County, enhancing gambling opportunities at Fairmount Park in Collinsville.
Nicole Bateman, the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County's president, recently told the Illinois Senate Executive Committee that this privately-funded project could add a whopping $27 million in annual revenue to state and local coffers.
"This is our shot to establish a tourism magnet for Illinois while giving a much-needed boost to the dying equestrian industry," Bateman noted.
Though there's no explicit link mentioned between Accel Entertainment and the expansion plans at Macon County and Fairmount Park, as the bill falls short, the future remains uncertain for this significant horse racing venue. Details about Accel Entertainment's potential role or plans are yet to surface.
When it comes to Macon County, the bill proposes a new racetrack, but the specifics regarding Accel Entertainment are scant. Further information about Accel Entertainment's plans might be found through additional sources or direct communication with the company.
[1] ['Illinois State Senators Pass Legislation to Legalize Casino Expansion and Woodhull Racetrack', Capitol Fax, March 14, 2022, https://capitolfax.com/2022/03/14/illinois-state-senators-pass-legislation-to-legalize-casino-expansion-and-woodhull-racetrack/, 'Macon County Casino Plans Could Generate 300 Jobs, Says Development Corporation President', Decatur Herald & Review, March 13, 2022, https://herald-review.com/business/macon-county-casino-plans-could-generate-300-jobs-says-development-corporation-president/article_55aacb68-69c8-11ec-8a0a-9b9d93eb5ec9.html][3] ['Senate Bill 1473', Illinois General Assembly, 2021-2022 Regular Session, 102nd General Assembly, accessed March 30, 2022, https://illinoislegislation.gov/Documents/Documents/ILSGBillPDF/1473SBEnrolled.pdf? doorway=loc&t=1648908776]
[1] In an effort to revitalize the gaming industry and horse racing, Senate Bill 1473 proposes the creation of a racetrack and casino in Macon County, potentially offering 300 jobs.
[2] For sports enthusiasts and gamblers, the realization of Senate Bill 1473 could bring a new tourist attraction to Illinois, thereby breathing life into the lagging equestrian industry.
