Decatur Racino Project Stalls in Illinois House Despite Senate Approval
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A proposed racino in Decatur, Illinois, aimed at revitalizing the state’s struggling horse racing industry, faces an uncertain future as it awaits action in the Illinois House. The privately funded project, envisioned as a comprehensive entertainment complex, has already secured approval from the Senate but remains “in the starting gate,” according to officials.
The proposed facility would encompass a horse track, casino, lodging, retail spaces, and a sports complex, all situated on a 200-acre site at the northwest corner of U.S. 36 and Wyckles Road. Decatur officials anticipate the development could generate approximately 300 full-time jobs and a significant boost in local tax revenue.
“We’ve got pensions for police and firefighters but the expense of that continues to go up,” Decatur Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe stated. “I think [the racino] would be a major attraction for people to come to our community.”
Competition from Existing Gaming Options
While the racino is projected to draw visitors and support local businesses, Decatur already has a substantial presence of video gambling terminals. Earlier this year, the city ranked fourth highest in the state for the number of these terminals, particularly in bars and restaurants. This existing gaming infrastructure has sparked opposition to the racino project from some stakeholders.
“There are concerns among some of the places, which I’m going to call them storefront casinos, because we have a lot of places that aren’t in bars or restaurants,” Moore Wolfe explained. “That’s why we allow gaming in the first place – to help struggling bars and restaurants.”
A Bid to Revive Illinois Horse Racing
The push for the Decatur racino is part of a broader effort to revive Illinois’ once-thriving horse racing industry. The industry has faced increasing challenges as other forms of gambling have gained popularity. Currently, Illinois is home to only two remaining racetracks: Hawthorne Park in Stickney and FanDuel Horse Racing and Sportsbook (formerly Fairmount Park) in Collinsville.
Many horse breeders and related businesses have relocated to other states in search of more favorable conditions. “It is a good opportunity for the horse racing industry to be able to build back what we’ve lost in recent years,” Moore Wolfe asserted.
Legislative Path Forward
The Illinois Senate has already passed legislation authorizing the Decatur racino, alongside a similar development planned for the Chicago suburbs. However, the bill now awaits consideration in the Illinois House. Lawmakers are expected to revisit the measure in the spring, leaving the future of the project hanging in the balance.
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