Illinois Horsemen Call For Antitrust Investigation Into Churchill Downs

The ITHA is asking Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul to look into possible violations of Churchill Downs Inc.’s antitrust laws.

This is because Churchill decided to forego the Arlington International Racecourse in favor of pursuing a racino.

A few years back, Churchill Downs purchased a majority share in Rivers Casino located nearby. This acquisition led to a change in policy regarding the allowance of board games and other activities at the Arlington track. Previously, Churchill had promoted blackjack gambling for twenty years, but in 2019, they started opposing the idea.

Mike Campbell, president of ITHA, sent a letter to Raoul’s office requesting an investigation into whether Churchill has violated any state or federal antitrust laws.

According to the Daily Herald, Campbell stated:

According to reports, Churchill executives were allegedly creating a plan to disrupt current and future gaming opportunities at Arlington. They were also sending out deceptive messages to divert attention from their primary goal of protecting Rivers from a significant gaming competitor. We suggest that it would be beneficial to assess whether Churchill’s actions may have involved illegal anticompetitive practices.

Arlington Park is a short drive of under 20 minutes from Rivers Casino.

Churchill Downs responded as follows:

Churchill Downs Incorporated has reviewed the Illinois Gaming Act and concluded that Arlington International Racecourse is not financially able to apply for a gaming license. As previously stated, CDI has enlisted a real estate brokerage to market the property and anticipates receiving offers by the end of the following month. Despite baseless allegations from ITHA, we are committed to continuing with this plan and have no intentions of deviating from it.

Churchill Downs put Arlington Park up for sale earlier this year.

Campbell asserts that our state is not meant to fulfill Churchill’s greed, comparing it to a trough. He also clarifies that Illinois is not an “Andlquo,” and highlights that a gaming license, like the one held by Rivers Casino, is a privilege, not a right.

Churchill Downs and Arlington Heights are even fighting.

The city of Arlington Heights took action in May to protect horse racing and gaming activities at the park.

The city’s village board passed a law preventing Churchill Downs from enforcing a restrictive covenant regarding horse racing and gambling on the property.

Churchill is still monitoring the outcome of the sale, but city officials are working hard to prevent the space from being used for offices, mortuaries, adult-oriented businesses, or car washes in the future.

In a recent interview with the Daily Herald, Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes discussed his vision for the land.

As a conscientious community, we have 326 acres of prime real estate for sale within our boundaries. It is crucial that we implement all necessary measures and precautions to guarantee top-quality development. Our goal is to attract dedicated investors who will enhance this exceptional property to benefit our neighborhood and the surrounding area.

There are few alternatives to Arlington Park in Illinois when it comes to horse racing venues.

The remaining two locations are FanDuel Sportsbook & Amp in Collinsville, Southern Illinois, and Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney. Collinsville, located in Southern Illinois, is also known for its horse racing.

The Chicago Bears might relocate to Arlington Park.

In recent months, Illinois residents have probably been hearing a lot of talk about Arlington Park-Bears.

The Bears may have the chance to host an event like the Super Bowl at an Arlington Park arena, whereas they won’t have that same opportunity at Soldier Field.

A convenient coach stop in Arlington Heights is located close to the park, making it easier to transition out of the city of Chicago.

Soldier Field and the Bears have a licensing agreement in place until 2033, but with enough money and effort, these leases can be easily ended.

In addition, Mayor Hayes enthusiastically stated that he would warmly embrace the Bears in Arlington Heights. It is undeniable that having an NFL franchise would bring significant financial benefits to any city.