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Ill. Racetrack Depends On Slots To Stay Alive

The possible legalization of slot machine terminals at racetracks throughout Illinois is what the Carey family is hoping will keep the Hawthorne Race Course alive. In an age where successful horseracing tracks like Churchill Downs and Laurel Park are owned by major corporations, the Hawthorne is a peculiarity – a family-owned business. The current one hundred eight members of the growing Carey family are shareholders in the racetrack, which has been seeing sagging attendance and purses at record lows. The problems stem from the troubled state and national economies, as well as a universe decline in interest in the once robust activity of watching and betting on horse races.

In December, the Carey family’s dreams of securing a bid for one of the brand-new state-authorized casino sites were shot down when a state committee rejected their proposal in favor of one for a site to be located in Des Plaines. Tim Carey, current president of the Race Course, argued that the Hawthorne had the capability to have a beautiful and fully-functional casino that would draw tourists and pour tax revenues into state coffers within six months – but the state didn’t see things the same way. Now, a proposal to install slot games at state racetracks seems like a second chance for the Hawthorne’s redemption.

Those lawmakers arguing in favor of legalizing racinos believe that bringing slot games to race tracks will create new revenues that can be spent on purses, and therefore bring in more talented horses and create a draw for more attendance.

Back to March 2009 Archive.