Gaming News

Gambling bill 'crucial' to Fairmount Park

COLLINSVILLE, Illinois -- As reported by the News-Democrat: "The future of Fairmount Park is riding on a bill before Illinois lawmakers, says the horse track's General Manager Brian Zander.

"'It's crucial,' he said. 'It's a little frustrating because it's not as if we don't draw a lot people. It's not because we're not promoting the place.'

"House Bill 480 proposes to put in slot machines and other electronic gaming and add harness racing, among other proposals, to boost the state's horse racing industry and generate revenue for the state. That would create a total of 3,800 gaming positions at Illinois' five tracks. The bill also calls for four new riverboat licenses in the Chicago area, including a downtown Chicago license.

"...Bill sponsor state Rep. Lou Lang, D-Skokie, said the bill is vital to maintaining the state's five horse racing tracks.

"...Fairmount Park in Collinsville is the only Illinois horse track outside the Chicago area. It has an all-time low of 90 race dates, three days a week, this season..."

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