It would be the first new Chicago area track to open for betting on the horses since west suburban Maywood Park began harness racing in 1946.
In addition to a new casino, south suburban Cook County is in line for its own separate new “racino” — a combination horse racing track and casino — under the state’s massive gambling expansion legislation.
The track, which would be devoted to harness racing, would have all the rights of current and existing Illinois racetracks. That soon will include the ability to offer slot machines, table games and sports betting.
It would be the first new Chicago area track to open for betting on the horses since west suburban Maywood Park began harness racing in 1946. The early favorite to land the racino is commercial real estate developer Rick Heidner. Sources said Heidner is eyeing the location of the former Tinley Park Mental Health Center in Orland Township…Please click here to read Mark Brown and Fran Spielman’s story in the Sun-Times. Related stories include Should Gambling Replace Tinley’s Mental Health Center? in the Patch, State delivers airport funding, casino, racetrack and more to south suburbs in the Tribune/Daily Southtown, Will massive Illinois casino expansion spell end to Northwest Indiana’s gaming run of luck? in the Times and Towns may have to wait years to get funds through Rebuild Illinois capital plan in the Tribune/Daily Southtown.