Illinois Bill Signals $150M Racino Development in Decatur
In an exciting development that could transform Decatur, Illinois—nicknamed “Soy City”—a new bill is set to authorize a significant $150 million racino project. This venture promises to not only bring a casino to the heart of the city but also enhance the local gambling landscape.
The proposed legislation comes alongside plans to permit horse racing in Macon County, with Decatur serving as its administrative hub. While the 2019 gambling expansion initiative by Governor J.B. Pritzker allocated regional casino licenses to five locations, Decatur was overlooked. However, this new bill aims to rectify that omission.
The expansion initiative also allowed state racetracks to upgrade into “racinos” to support the struggling horse racing industry. However, six years on, and not a single racino has opened—until now, it seems.
Revolutionary Racing, based in Virginia, is positioned as the frontrunner for the Decatur racino license. The company has committed to invest an impressive $150 million into the project, projecting the creation of approximately 300 permanent jobs and estimated tax revenues of up to $27 million.
Revolutionizing Racing
Although the bill lays out an open tender for Decatur’s racino license, Revolutionary Racing appears keen to seize this opportunity. They are currently developing an $80 million racetrack in Kentucky and emphasize their mission to collaborate with legislators to revitalize horse racing.
According to officials, the timeline suggests a target opening for the Decatur facility by fall 2026, contingent on the swift approval of the legislation.
Pressure on Hawthorne Race Course
The new bill also aims to pressure the Hawthorne Race Course, situated near Chicago, to expedite its own racino development. Although preliminary approval for a racino project was granted back in 2019, progress has stalled, causing frustration among legislators and stakeholders.
In light of Hawthorne’s inaction, potential racino ventures are hindered since previous legislation conferred the power of veto over any new racetrack within a 35-mile radius to the Hawthorne track.
Supporters of the bill, backed by the Illinois Harness Horsemen’s Association, are pushing to revoke Hawthorne’s veto power to promote competitive growth in the local gaming market.
Conclusion
This racino proposal represents an important step towards revitalizing horse racing and gambling in Decatur, bringing job opportunities and tax revenue into the community. The outcome of the legislation will play a pivotal role in determining the future of gaming in the area.