Accel Entertainment Acquires FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, Announces Casino Plans By 2025
Making significant strides in the Illinois horse racing and gaming industry, the Illinois Horse Racing Commission approved Accel Entertainment’s acquisition of FanDuel Sportsbook and the acquisition of horse racing, formerly known as Fairmount Park. This is a significant move for Accel to the Thoroughbred segment, with the company announcing plans to open a temporary casino by the Kentucky Derby in 2025.
Collinsville Track’s Innovative Plan:
Acel Entertainment is diving into an early Thrubred industrial investment with its acquisition of the Collinsville, Illinois-based track for about $35 million. The gaming company has earmarked an additional $85-95 million to build temporary facilities and permanent casinos, not just acquisitions, and has made some improvements to the track itself. This includes necessary maintenance and improvements focused on infrastructure and security upgrades, Acel’s executives say.
“We are very humbled by what we are going to do here,” said Mark Phelan, Accel’s president of U.S. gaming, in an announcement at the Illinois Racing Board, highlighting the company’s efforts to improve standards and operations at the facility, as reported by Bloodhorse.
Until further approval, the temporary casino is expected to occupy the venue’s existing structure with around 200 slot machines and four to six table games. Plans for a broader permanent casino are also on the table, promising larger gaming options. 안전한 카지노사이트
In addition, Accel has committed to guaranteeing $5 million in prize money in 2025 to improve the racing quality of both stakeholders and fans. “We are committed to improving the overall racing quality of our owners, trainers, and fans to support the Illinois horse racing industry and comply with state law,” Phelan added.
Community and Economic Outlook:
The acquisition not only represents growth for Accel Entertainment, but also promises significant economic benefits for southern Illinois and the St. Collinsville Mayor Jeff Steman expressed optimism about the project’s potential to drive economic growth and job creation along the Collinsville Road Corridor.
As Accel Entertainment takes on this ambitious project, it is expanding its strategic vision beyond just expanding gaming facilities. The company is committed to actively working with local and state stakeholders to ensure that the development is in the interests of the community and supports a wide range of economic and social goals. The collaboration is poised to create a thriving environment that will benefit both the gaming and horse racing industries while also contributing to Illinois’ agricultural and horse sectors. Accel’s initiative is to demonstrate their commitment to community development and their role as key players in revitalizing the local entertainment and sports industries.
Conversely, the Hawthorn racetrack appears to be delaying progress, with demolition beginning after the state licensed the lasino in 2019. Tim Carey, Hawthorn’s boss, noted that the track is in the final stages of financing the casino, something the local horse racing community is eagerly anticipating.
The Illinois Racing Board also ratified the 2025 Racing Calendar, separating the season into Thoroughbred Racing and Harness Racing to ensure a comprehensive racing schedule that fits all aspects of the sport.
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