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Arlington Park

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Often called the most beautiful racetrack in America, Arlington Park in Illinois became a popular place to hang out with friends and the best place to watch and bet on the exciting sport of racehorse racing in the summer.

It was also home to a number of stunning venues that could accommodate any event, from business gatherings to family reunions to weddings. There was always a good time to be had, whether you went for the Miller Lite Party, the Miller Lite Horses & Hops on Saturday, or the Sunday Family Days sponsored by the Daily Herald.

About Arlington Park in Illinois

Arlington Park racetrack in Illinois has existed for more than 90 years. It first opened its doors on October 13, 1927, when it began hosting thoroughbred racing. Despite the chilly weather, more than 20,000 spectators showed up to celebrate the occasion in grand fashion. After surviving World War II and the Great Depression, the track thrived during the Golden Age of Racing.

In 1981, Arlington Park hosted the first Million Dollar Race — The Arlington Million — to be held anywhere in the world. The winner of this inaugural race was the horse John Henry, ridden by jockey Bill Shoemaker. A statue commemorates their triumph. John Henry went on to become the only horse to win this race twice, with another win in 1984.

In 2002, Arlington Park hosted the first Breeders' Cup Thoroughbred Championships ever held in the Midwest before a sold-out audience of 46,118. Five years later, during the 2007 race meeting, Arlington was the first track in the Midwest, and the fifth in the US as a whole, to install a synthetic horse racing surface when the cutting-edge Polytrack surface was introduced. Over the years, many of the best riders, trainers, and thoroughbreds have been seen at this track.

The Arlington Park site has been purchased by the Chicago Bears. They have plans to build a new NFL stadium on the site, meaning that Arlington Park will continue to offer top-class sports and customer service in the Chicago metropolitan region, along with hopefully opening a top IL sportsbook.

What types of gambling does Arlington Park offer?

Arlington Park offers two betting options to its guests.

Horse betting

Horse race betting in Illinois, and in Arlington Park specifically, is very popular Because technology has improved, bettors now have two main choices: they can place their bets online or in person at a racetrack.

“Win” means you came in first, “place” means you came in second, and “show” means you came in third. But you can also make “win/place/show” bets, which means something a little different.

  • If your horse comes in first, you win a Win bet.
  • You win a Place bet if your horse finishes first or second.
  • If you make a Show bet, you win if your horse finishes first, second, or third.

Place bets are also available as Show Bets, exactas, trifectas, and superfectas.

To win an exacta, you must correctly predict the order in which the first two finishers will come in. However, to win a trifecta, you must correctly predict the order in which the first three finishers will come in. Furthermore, to win a superfecta, you must correctly predict the order in which the first four horses will cross the finish line.

Pari-mutuel wagering is betting that is placed against other members of the public rather than against the track itself. All of the money is combined, and the payoff for a winning bet will be reduced in proportion to the amount of money that was wagered on a particular horse to win. The same logic applies to exotic wagers and trifectas, as well as place bets and show wagers.

Off-track betting

The Off-Track Betting (OTB) in Arlington Park effectively sanctions gambling on horse racing that takes place away from a race track. Off-Track Betting is abbreviated as OTB. The races are sent to the officials via a secure live transmission that originates from Turf Paradise, which ensures that they are always held as live events. At this location, there is an OTB representative and wagering machines where you may place your bets. After you have placed your wager, you will be sent a ticket that details your bet amount. When the race is over and the official results are announced, you will be able to cash in your winning ticket.

How do I place a bet at Arlington Park?

Placing a bet on a horse at the Arlington Racetrack is as easy as betting in any Illinois casino by following the steps listed below.

  1. Choose the track to bet on. Here you can check on the details of the horses in each racetrack using the program. You can view the horse's number, the color or “silks” the rider will be wearing, the horse's owner as well as the trainer, the trainer's winning percentage, and more.
  2. Select a race and wager the desired amount. Next, make a decision on the size and kind of wager that you are going to make.
  3. Pick what type of wager to bet on. Decide where you are going to put your money in the game.
  4. Choose your horse(s). Before you can make a wager, you have to decide which horse you want to back. You may achieve this in a few ways: by looking at a provided race card, traveling to the paddock, or choosing a name based on how it sounds.
  5. Place your bet. To place a bet, all you need to do is tell the betting organizer the number of the racehorse you want to bet on, the amount of money you want to wager, and the kind of bet you want to make. For instance, “Number 4, £5 to win.” After that, they will provide you with your ticket, which you are obligated to keep secure until the conclusion of the race.

Arlington Park entertainment & cuisine

Arlington Park is well-known for its cuisine and entertainment. There is a range of intriguing and captivating activities available here.

  • Million Room: In Arlington Park's Million room, diners may enjoy excellent meals while taking in views of the racetrack that are worth a million dollars. The area is inside and has tiered seats with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the track for ideal views. Each table has its own flat-screen television, bringing you even more excitement. When booking online for the Million Room, your table will be reserved for the full day. A rigorous smart-casual attire requiring collared shirts is enforced.
  • Arlington Trackside Banquet Room: Your next social or business gathering will be comfortable and elegant at Arlington Trackside. The Arlington Trackside Banquet Room has both indoor and outdoor event space options for patrons to choose from.

Other popular food sections to check out include:

  • The Cowboy Grille: With an emphasis on barbecue, this is a great pre-race option.
  • Cobey's Food Court: This Grab 'N' Go style outlet offers a quick, easy and healthy dining option.
  • Picnic Grove: This fan favorite is located in the park near the eighth pole.

Arlington Trackside is the ideal location for any kind of event, whether it is for a public or private gathering, since it is easily accessible from all the main expressways, is just 20 miles to the northwest of O'Hare International Airport, and is at the junction of Euclid Avenue and Wilke Road. The property is stunningly beautiful and elegant, providing the perfect backdrop for you to graciously greet your guests.

Contact & opening hours

Address: 2200 W Euclid Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60006.
Opening hours: 11am-6pm
Website: arlingtonpark.com
Phone number: +1 847-385-7500.

FAQ

Are there any hotels close to Arlington Park?

Yes, there are many hotels that you can stay in around the Arlington Park area, including the Embassy Suites Chicago, among others. Some of these hotels have specific partnerships with Arlington Park, so make sure you check to see if there are any discounts before booking your stay.

Are there smoking areas in Arlington Park, Illinois?

There are some smoking areas in Arlington Park, Illinois. Smoking is allowed in the park, 15 feet from the entrances. Make sure you ask staff if it is OK to smoke where you are stood, as some areas might be more strictly prohibited.

Can I bring food from outside into Arlington Park?

No. Coolers or carry-ins with food and drinks from outside are not allowed in Arlington Park. However, there is a wide range of dining options in Arlington Park, so make sure you check those out so you don’t go hungry.