In Illinois, horse racing advocates are pushing for legislation to revitalize the declining horse racing and betting industry. Senator Patrick Joyce’s Senate Bill 1473 aims to facilitate the development of a new racetrack and gaming facility in Decatur by reversing a 2019 law that restricted new racecourse developments near Hawthorne Race Course. The proposed Decatur facility would include grandstands, hotels, restaurants, and a training center, with hopes that it would stimulate local employment and economic growth.
However, the bill faces opposition from small business owners in Decatur, who fear that a new “racino” could saturate the local gambling market and divert customers from their existing video gambling operations. Despite nearly 300 witness slips opposing the bill, it has garnered about 1,000 in support. Critics, including Rep. Brad Stephens, question whether the proposed racetrack would cannibalize the existing video gambling industry, while supporters argue that the two attract different customer bases.
As the legislative session approaches its end, the bill’s fate remains uncertain. While Governor JB Pritzker has expressed enthusiasm for rural development, he has not taken a definitive stance on the legislation. Advocates believe that if passed, the new racetrack could lead to a resurgence in Illinois’ horse racing industry, despite ongoing concerns about problem gambling and animal welfare.
