Slot Machines Coming To Arlington Racetrack?
UPDATED: 10/25/10 12:58 p.m.
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (CBS) - The clopping hooves of horses spinning out of the turn might not be the only sound you hear at Arlington Park next season.
The community will soon get to weigh in on a plan to install slot machines at the racetrack in Arlington Heights.
State Senate Bill 3146 would allow up to 1,200 slot machines at Arlington and all other Illinois racetracks, the Daily Herald reported. The revenues from the casinos would keep the racetracks afloat, and would also help fund the state's capital, the Tribune reported.
Arlington Heights business leaders and residents will gather Monday night to talk about the affect the slots will have on the suburb. Among those speaking will be business professor and economic expert John Kindt; and clinical counselor and gambling addiction expert Chris Anderson.
Organizers say Arlington Park owner Richard Duchossois was also invited to speak, but has declined to appear or send a representative.
Track owners have been lobbying for years to add slots to boost revenue at the racetrack.
Betting on horses was down 33 percent at Arlington this year.
The forum will be held at 7:30 p.m. at the Arlington Heights Historical Museum, at 110 W. Fremont St. in Arlington Heights.
