Accel launches first Illinois casino at Fairmount Park Racetrack, ahead of centennial racing season

Accel Entertainment, Inc. has opened its first casino in Illinois, marking a milestone for the company as it expands into the racino market. The new venue, Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, officially opened its doors to the public on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Located at 9301 Collinsville Road, the 12,000-square-foot facility combines casino gaming with the long-standing horse racing tradition of Fairmount Park.

The casino features a range of in-demand slot machines and electronic table games. As part of the launch, Accel has also introduced new food concessions and completed extensive upgrades to the park’s racing infrastructure.

The improvements arrive just in time for the racetrack’s 100th anniversary season, which kicks off Tuesday, April 22, with gates opening at 9 a.m. and the first race scheduled for 1:30 p.m. The celebration will begin with a skydiving display.

“We are thrilled to open our casino and showcase our park improvements, highlighting the hard work and dedication of our employees and partners,” said Vince Gabbert, Senior Vice President of U.S. Gaming and General Manager at Fairmount Park Casino & Racing.

The project was completed in less than five months. Accel CEO Andy Rubenstein expressed his appreciation for the collaboration that made the opening possible.

“I would like to thank the Illinois Racing Board, the Illinois Gaming Board, the City of Collinsville, and our local elected officials for their guidance and partnership throughout our development of this historic property,” Rubenstein said.

“I would also like to thank Vince and his outstanding team of professionals for their dedication to getting us here. I am proud and excited about the future of Fairmount as a premier entertainment destination for the Metro East Area.”

The launch of Fairmount Park Casino & Racing marks Accel’s entry into the locals racino market. The company aims to combine accessibility and operational efficiency with its core competencies in regulatory navigation, player experience, and cash logistics.

In addition to gaming and racing, Fairmount Park is expanding its hospitality offerings through a new partnership with the Fifty/50 Hospitality Group, a nationally recognized brand. The collaboration will bring scratch-made cuisine to three new concessions, with a full-service restaurant and bar slated to open in June.

The venue will also cater to a range of events, from corporate functions to private celebrations, as it grows its regional presence. “This year also marks the 100th anniversary of our racetrack,” Gabbert added, “giving us the opportunity to celebrate Fairmount Park’s rich history while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter.”

Racing and casino operations are now open, with further developments planned as part of Fairmount Park’s ongoing transformation into a full-scale entertainment destination for the Metro East region.