A $150 million racino development could be coming to Decatur, Illinois, with a new bill set to be introduced in the state legislature. The proposed facility would combine a harness racing track, casino, and sports complex in the self-proclaimed "Soybean Capital of the World."

Virginia-based Revolutionary Racing has pledged to invest in the project, which would create an estimated 300 permanent jobs and generate up to $27 million in tax revenue. The company aims for a late 2026 opening, pending legislative approval.

The bill would authorize a license for harness racing in Macon County, where Decatur is located. While the legislation creates an open tender process, it has been tailored with Revolutionary Racing's proposal in mind. The company, currently building an $80 million racetrack in Kentucky, specializes in working with legislators to revitalize horse racing.

The legislation also addresses the stalled development at Hawthorne Race Course near Chicago. Despite receiving preliminary approval for a racino in 2019, Hawthorne has faced financing challenges and currently holds veto power over new racetracks within a 35-mile radius. The Illinois Harness Horsemen's Association supports revoking this veto power to enable new developments.

This initiative follows Illinois' 2019 gambling expansion package, which allowed racetracks to upgrade to racinos. While no racinos have opened yet, the former Fairmount Park Racetrack is expected to launch a temporary gaming facility in the second quarter of this year.

The bill is expected to be a top priority when the new legislative session begins on Wednesday, according to The Herald & Review.

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