The FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing track in Collinsville, Illinois, has been approved to add a casino, with plans to have the racino open in time for the 2025 Kentucky Derby.
The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) approved the transfer of ownership Thursday, allowing for a casino to be added next to the track. Ownership from Fairmount Holdings, Inc. was transferred to licensed terminal operator Accel Entertainment.
Fairmount Park was one of the authorized racinos included in the state’s 2019 gaming expansion law.
“This means we can move forward with developing the casino here at the track, putting us into a full racino. This is going to add about 200 jobs in slots and other categories to the track, as well as provide more entertainment and experiences for our guests that come to the track,” Lianne Adams with FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, said.
In addition to the IGB approving the casino, the board authorized a rule mandating casino employees statewide to undergo training on human trafficking recognition.
“Human trafficking is a problem that demands action from public, corporate, and private sectors,” IGB Administrator Marcus Fruchter said. “Human traffickers often target casinos and hospitality venues to conduct their activities.
“The IGB as the regulator responsible for maintaining the integrity and safety of Illinois gaming has an appropriate role to make human trafficking recognition training mandatory, establish minimum requirements for that training, and require that casino operators implement appropriate reporting protocols.”
Additionally, the IGB is accepting public comment on the development and implementation of cashless wagering technology in video gaming. The IGB is also planning to incorporate video gaming into the Self-Exclusion Program for Problem Gamblers.
Comments on both topics are due by January 13, 2025. To submit comments, visit the IGB’s website.
Problem gambling counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 800-GAMBLER (800-426-2537) or by texting GAMB to 833234.
Construction for the Collinsville casino is anticipated to begin at the start of 2025. The casino is slated to open in April in time for the Kentucky Derby.
Illinois is home to 15 casinos, 15 approved sportsbooks, and a network of more than 8,700 licensed video gaming establishments.
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