Report: Casino delay worsens problems for Hawthorne

The long-delayed construction of a casino at Hawthorne Race Course is worsening the already dire situation of racing in Illinois, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

The track was authorized to build a casino three years ago, and demolition started, which closed the grandstand.

Hawthorne president Tim Carey told the Illinois racing board in September that construction could begin later this year, according to the report. But the board has not received any construction requests since granting initial approval of suitability and demolition in 2020.

Racing in Illinois was dealt a big blow when Churchill Downs Inc. closed Arlington Park last year. That means the only Thoroughbred racing in the Chicago area is at Hawthorne, and dates must be shared with harness racing, as the report notes.

Many of Hawthorne's competitors are supported by casinos, and horsemen told the Tribune that the delay in building one at the track is contributing to the problem of owners and trainers leaving Hawthorne to compete elsewhere.

Track officials are confident they will announce a start to the project in early 2023, according to the report. Construction is expected to take 14 months.

Plans for the casino call for table games and slots, a parking deck, and new dining, bars and race wagering areas, according to the report.