Lawmakers have moved one step closer to approving a new racino in Decatur, Illinois, after it gained Senate approval. The project, given a temporary name of Decatur Downs, would be built near Route 36 and close to the nearby Decatur Conference Center and Hotel, but it still needs to gain approval in the House of Representatives before the City of Decatur can make a final decision. BonusFinder, an online casinos comparison site, reveals the latest below.
What is a racino?
A Racino combines the features of a horse racing track with a casino gaming space. In this case, the proposal is for a harness racing track combined with a 900-seat gaming area and additional facilities. The project will be privately funded, which means the State and locals will not need to contribute anything to the proposed $150m development.
Illinois Racinos
Although Illinois has 17 casinos, it currently only has a single existing racino – Fairmount Park Casino & Racing – located in Collinsville. Proponents of the plans point to the state’s ailing horse racing industry and the potential lift the new venue could bring. They also highlight the economic boon to the local area.
City Council Member David Horn said of the project and its potential benefits and pitfalls: “This is a $150m economic development project. Some individuals will say that Decatur can be the site of a horse racing renaissance. Individuals have contacted me and said, ‘We already have too many gambling establishments'”.
Despite concerns, the bill gained substantial backing, with the bill passing with a vote of 49-8. One figure to put her political weight behind the vote was Senator Doris Turner, who described the project as “a crucial piece of legislation because it creates a unique opportunity for economic benefit in both counties located within the 48th district.”
Proponents not only point to the potential revival of the horse racing industry and the immediate employment benefit, but also to the potential economic knock-on effects. Horn said: “(Visitors) may stay in area hotels, eat in area restaurants, and buy area gas.”
Next steps for Illinois
After receiving Senate backing, the bill will now pass to the House of Representatives. Lawmakers aren’t set to reconvene until January, when the bill is likely to receive further discussion.
If the proposal gains House approval, it will then come down to the decision of the City of Mercer to give the plans final approval or not.
Next year, 2026, may also see the Prairie State discuss other gambling regulations, including the potential regulation of online casino gambling. Online sports betting was regulated in 2019, with the first bets placed in 2020.
Since then, it has gone on to become the second-largest state by online sports betting revenue. Its 2024 handle of $14bn was only beaten by New York’s $22.6bn, and lawmakers may see online casinos as offering another tax revenue source.
However, attempts in recent years have been met by obstacles, and there is little to currently suggest these obstacles have been overcome.
