The Arlington Heights Plan Commission agreed Wednesday night to recommend that the Village Board approve amending the zoning for the Arlington International Racecourse site to allow for a sports betting facility there — as long as it’s part of a professional sports stadium.

The move comes after the Chicago Bears football team in 2021 signed a $197.2 million purchase agreement for the racecourse, then last month publicly presented a redevelopment plan that would include a sports wagering facility as part of a $5 billion, multiyear project. The team proposed to build both an NFL stadium and an adjoining mixed-use commercial and residential district.

In July 2021, the Village Board approved an ordinance that established the Arlington International Race Course Overlay Zoning District.