COLLINSVILLE, Ill. – Sports betting fans in Collinsville are gearing up for the new season as the FanDuel Sportsbook Race Track adjusts its schedule to accommodate ongoing construction.
Starting Oct. 17, horse races at FanDuel Sportsbook Race Track will now additionally take place on Thursdays, with a shortened schedule this year due to casino construction plans starting in November.
“Originally, our meet was going to run through Nov. 16,” Melissa, president and CEO of the track, said. “But they’ve used those two weeks to get construction started, giving us a head start to hopefully have it ready by Derby in May.”
Races originally scheduled through Thanksgiving have been moved to Thursdays over the next three weeks: Oct. 17, 24, and 31, along with Saturdays and Tuesdays.
FanDuel Sportsbook was recently acquired by Accel Entertainment, raising questions about potential changes in the venue’s future.
“We believe we’ll be adding a lot of jobs to the area and bringing more tourism,” Accel’s CEO Andy Rubenstein said. “This is really an opportunity for the Metro East to revitalize and become a hub for entertainment.”
The track, which draws fans from across the Midwest, may soon face new competition from neighboring Missouri. Sports betting will be on the state’s November ballot, potentially eliminating the need for fans to cross state lines to place bets. If legalized, sports betting could launch in Missouri by 2025.
Melissa acknowledged the potential impact of Missouri’s decision.
“We’re the only brick-and-mortar FanDuel location in the area, and we’ll definitely feel the effects if Missouri passes sports betting,” she said.
Abandoned boat found in Missouri’s Gasconade River raises concerns Despite the upcoming challenges, the future looks bright for Collinsville’s track. Plans for the new casino include 250 slot machines, table games, expanded dining and beverage options, and even summer concerts in the outfield.
“As we develop the property, you’ll see 365 days a year of entertainment here,” Rubenstein added.
The track, which will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year, remains a beloved tradition for locals. Melissa highlighted the emotional connection residents have with the venue.
“The excitement, the people, the tracks gonna be 100 years old next year…If you weren’t raised here, your grandfather was here, your parents were here. It’s a family tradition to be here at Fairmount Park,” Helton said.
As the casino takes shape and Missouri’s sports betting decision looms, Collinsville’s track looks forward to a new era of growth and excitement.
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