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Fairmount Park

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There are exciting times ahead at Fairmount Park. The only Illinois racetrack outside Chicago entered a partnership arrangement with sportsbook giant FanDuel in 2020. The course now operates under the FanDuel name and boasts an impressive retail sports betting facility alongside its calendar of race days.

But that's just the start. The Collinsville venue has ambitious plans to transform itself into a 'Racino', combining top-class turf action with a glamorous gaming hall. Admittedly, progress has been slow since the proposal emerged in 2020. However, once Fairmount finds a casino partner, gamblers on the Illinois/Missouri border can look forward to a great new gaming experience.

About Fairmount Park Illinois

Fairmount Park, which stands just across the river from St. Louis, opened in 1925. The inspiration was Churchill Downs, the legendary venue of the world-famous Kentucky Derby. For years, this one-mile dirt oval was a pioneering course. In 1947, Fairmount installed lights and became the first track in the state to have nighttime racing. At its peak, there was racing on more than 230 days of the year.

However, the rise of legal casinos in Illinois took its toll on America's horse racing industry. Attendances at race meetings declined, the schedule was cut to just 90 days, and harness racing ceased altogether. State lawmakers voted down a proposal to introduce slot machines on the site, which halted a 2007 proposal to build a 20,000-seater arena on the site.

Happily, things are looking up today. The 2020 partnership with FanDuel streamlined the sports betting operation at the track. In addition to its live racing program, the rebranded FanDuel Sportsbook and Racing offers simulcast wagering on races from all over the USA. The retail sportsbook is another boon, and two-course restaurants, Top of the Turf and the First Turn café, offer tempting dining options.

What types of gambling does Fairmount Park offer?

  • Horse betting. Any day at the races revolves around horse race betting. Pick out your ponies, place your bets, watch the action, and cheer for your horse. One of life's simple yet satisfying pleasures.
  • Off-track betting. Fairmount also operates four off-course betting shops in the locality. These can be found in Sauget, Carbondale, Alton, and Springfield.

How do I place a bet at Fairmount Park?

Placing your first bet doesn't need to be a daunting experience. Here's a guide to how it all works.

  1. Select the track to bet on. On race days, the obvious choice is the live-action in Collinsville. When it's a simulcast day, you can choose from the best turf action across the nation.
  2. Pick a race and bet the chosen amount. It's a good idea to set your maximum stake before you start, then stick to it. You might want to go big on one event, or you may prefer to spread the fun and have small bets on each race. Either way, choose a stake, then pick your preferred bet.
  3. Decide which kind of wager to bet on. There are plenty of choices. The simple win market is the easiest to understand, but place betting offers more chances of winning since your horse just needs to finish in the top three. Aficionados like to land exactas, trifectas, or superfectas, which require you to call the top two, three, or four horses, respectively in your race. It's a tough call but a lucrative one if it comes off.
  4. Choose your horse(s). Some gamblers rely on picking up tips from connections in the stables. Others make a detailed study of form and breeding. Many, especially on a beery Friday night, put their money on the horse with the most risque name. Whatever strategy you favor, remember that it's all about having fun.
  5. Place your bet. Once you've made your choice, head to any of the on-course betting booths, explain what you want to back, and hand over your stake. Keep a tight hold on that betting slip — you'll need it to collect any winnings!

Fairmount Park and FanDuel sportsbook partnership

FanDuel sportsbook in Illinois, a market leader in US sports betting, reached a sponsorship agreement with Fairmount Park in 2020. This followed FanDuel's move into the Illinois sports betting market after the state legalized retail and online gambling in 2019.

The multi-million dollar deal saw the course renamed FanDuel Sportsbook and Racing. A new, up-to-the-minute retail sportsbook soon followed. Racing lovers were excited to see the return of the St. Louis Derby, a flagship race suspended since 2006.

In addition, there are hopes the deal will kickstart progress on the long-awaited racino at Fairmount.

Can I bet on sports at Fairmount Park?

Yes. Sports betting is on offer at Fairmount Park in partnership with the track's title sponsor, FanDuel. The on-site IL sportsbook is open seven days a week. Customers can place their bets, watch live action on the TV screens and enjoy the lively sports bar atmosphere.

Which sports can I bet on at Fairmount Park?

FanDuel is one of America's leading sportsbook operators. It offers a vast range of markets for almost every sport you can imagine. Whatever your passion, you can bet on it here. Some of the most popular sports for bettors at Fairmount include:

  • Horse racing. The clear first choice. Fairmount stages three race meetings a week during the racing season from April to October. In the off-season and on non-race days, simulcast betting from meetings elsewhere is always on offer. Getting together with your buddies for a few beers, a few bets, and some high-class action on the track is always a popular day out.
  • Football. NFL fans suffered a big blow in 2015 when the Rams moved from St. Louis to Los Angeles. That didn't necessarily halt the interest in betting on the sport, although it may have persuaded some gamblers to start staking against the Rams. Even without a local favorite, football remains a huge betting draw. With so many markets in every aspect of every game, there is something for everyone. And such a data-rich sport gives fans a chance to geek out in search of an edge over the bookies.
  • Soccer. The world's most popular team sport, soccer has a global reach. The imminent arrival of St. Louis City in the MLS can only boost the game's profile among gamblers in this part of Illinois. Meanwhile, the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada should increase interest. For many fans, though, the top European leagues are the ones to bet on as internationally renowned clubs from Manchester to Madrid compete for top honors.
  • Golf. From recreational hackers to top pros on the PGA tour, golf casts a spell on millions of players. Illinois has its own stake in golfing history: Tiger Woods won his first PGA title at Medinah in 1999, and the same course hosted the 2012 Ryder Cup. Today's golf is a year-round game, with opportunities to bet on action from all over the world. But when the major tournaments are in full swing, that's the time to look out for special offers at the bookmakers.
  • Basketball. Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls put professional basketball on the Illinois sporting map in fine style with their dominant 1990s dynasty, and the sport's popularity continues to boom. It's a lucrative business, and its players are the best-paid athletes on the planet. And, where there's money, there's gambling. Basketball betting, whether the NBA or the NCAA's March Madness, is a staple of every sportsbook. You can back your team or bet on the performance of your favorite player to add spice to every night of the season.

Fairmount Park entertainment & cuisine

As Fairmount's management looks to rejuvenate a venerable venue, the owners are going beyond the traditional race day experience. Friday night meetings, for example, are a Party in the Park. Live music, cheap beer, a bargain buffet, and all the thrills of racing action make this a fun cocktail at the right price. Tuesday's Horse Hooky promo has similar offers on beer and hotdogs for the afternoon meet.

In addition, there are several eateries on site. Top of the Turf is the prestige pick, with its luxury sky boxes affording a fine view of the entire track. The lounge and non-smoking cafe on the third floor do not boast views of the course, but you can follow the action on TV.

The Black Stallion Room on the second floor is the hub of the Party in the Park every Friday during the season. In addition, there's the trackside First Turn Cafe, with a laidback vibe and table service. Opening times for these facilities vary, but whenever you visit, there will be somewhere to eat.

Contact & opening hours

Address: 9301 Collinsville Rd, Collinsville, IL 62234
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 10am-11pm; Saturday 8am-12am; Sunday 8am-11pm.
Website: fairmountpark.com
Phone number: 618-345-4300

FAQ

Can I stay in any hotels close to Fairmount Park?

Yes, you can stay in hotels close to Fairmount Park. Although there is no on-site accommodation at the racecourse, there are several hotels around the nearby Collinsville Aqua Park, close to the intersection of Interstate 55 and I-255.

Who is the owner of Fairmount Park Illinois?

William Stiritz Associates is the company that owns Fairmount Park. In November 2020, the venue announced a partnership with FanDuel and added to their brand with FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing.

Is it free to enter Fairmount Park?

No, it is not free to enter Fairmount Park. Race day admission starts at $1.50 on Tuesdays or $2.50 at weekends. This is still very cheap compared to other race tracks around the US, and you get a lot of value for the admission fee.