A proposed bill in the Illinois state legislature aims to authorize a $150 million racino development in Decatur, Macon County. Virginia-based Revolutionary Racing plans to build a facility combining a harness racing track, casino, and 60,000-square-foot sports complex.

The project is expected to create 300 permanent jobs and generate up to $27 million in tax revenue. Revolutionary Racing targets a late 2026 opening, pending legislative approval when the new session begins Wednesday.

The bill would also address the stalled Hawthorne Race Course racino project near Chicago. Despite receiving preliminary approval in 2019, Hawthorne's development has been on hold due to financing difficulties and contractor debt issues. Currently, Hawthorne holds veto power over new racetrack proposals within a 35-mile radius, which the Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association seeks to revoke.

This development comes as part of Illinois' ongoing gambling expansion efforts. While the 2019 legislation allowed racetracks to upgrade to racinos, none have opened yet. However, the former Fairmount Park Racetrack plans to open a temporary gaming facility in the second quarter of this year.

Revolutionary Racing, which is currently building an $80 million racetrack in Kentucky, specializes in working with legislators to revitalize horse racing through legal adaptations. The proposed Decatur facility would mark a significant expansion of Illinois' gaming landscape, despite not being among the five locations initially designated for regional casino licenses in 2019.

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