Arlington International Racecourse owner Richard Duchossois issued a statement Thursday illuminating his threats to shut the track down in the face of competition from an Elgin riverboat casino.
Track officials have long said they will close the racecourse unless they receive financial concessions to make up for what is expected to be a loss in revenue once the boat opens in October. In Thursday’s statement, Duchossois reiterated that threat and expounded on his reasons for concern.
“Arlington may not be able to continue operations with the opening of the Elgin riverboat casino. We cannot continue to subsidize the industry,” Duchossois said.
Duchossois called the Elgin casino “the most serious threat to date for racing in Illinois and Arlington in particular,” and he described how other tracks across the country, including his own, have been hurt by the proliferation of riverboat gambling.
He did not outline what kind of legislative solution he is seeking, although it is likely to consist of a favorable change in the tax rates for the track.
He has also expressed a desire for a riverboat casino license as well as the legalization of full-card simulcasting of races from other tracks at Arlington so his patrons could bet on them.
Last week, the Illinois Racing Board delayed until December final acceptance of the track’s 1995 racing dates. Duchossois had requested the delay in an effort to assess the casino’s impact on track revenues.
Meanwhile, representatives of Gov. Jim Edgar indicated the governor is willing to negotiate with Duchossois to try to agree on some concessions.
“The governor would seriously consider any legitimate concerns that Mr. Duchossois has, but any decision he would make would be in the context of what is best for the State of Illinois and the racing industry,” said Edgar press secretary Mike Lawrence.
Local elected officials also voiced their support for negotiations and for Duchossois’ demands for some kind of deal to benefit the northwest suburban track, which employs more than 4,000 people.
“I think a deal should be made,” said state Sen. Marty Butler (R-Park Ridge), who represents much of Arlington Heights.
“I think it’s quite unfair the way it’s turned out. . . . The state set up his competition (the riverboat casino), and I think his competition has a sweetheart deal.”
Arlington Heights Village President Arlene Mulder said she hopes the legislature will consider the importance of the racetrack to the local and the state economy.