Legislation to advance casinos at horse-racing facilities once again failed to reach the finish line this year in Illinois.
Senate Bill 1473 provided for construction of a new harness track and casino in Macon County and the expansion of gambling opportunities for Fairmount Park in Collinsville.
Nicole Bateman, president of the Economic Development Corporation of Decatur and Macon County, told the Illinois Senate Executive Committee last week that private investment in the racino would add $27 million in revenue to state and local economies.
“This is a chance to create a tourism destination for Illinois while reviving the equestrian industry that we have nearly lost,” Bateman said.
