Fairmount Park Casino & Racing hosts soft opening on April 18

Key Points
- The facility represents the first Illinois casino to be launched by Accel Entertainment, which successfully closed on its acquisition of Fairmount Holdings during December 2024
- The launch is also said to mark Accel Entertainment’s strategic entry into the locals racino market, prioritizing “convenience, operational efficiency and market accessibility”
Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, owned by Accel Entertainment following its December 2024 acquisition of Fairmount Holdings for nearly $35m, will hold its official soft opening on April 18 for guests and casino players.
“We are thrilled to open our casino and showcase our park improvements, highlighting the hard work and dedication of our employees and partners,” Fairmount Park Casino & Racing SVP of US Gaming and GM Vince Gabbert said.
“This year also marks the 100th anniversary of our racetrack, giving us the opportunity to celebrate Fairmount Park’s rich history while looking ahead to an exciting new chapter.”
The racetrack and casino facility is also partnering with the Fifty/50 Hospitality Group to develop and expand the food and beverage offerings across Fairmount Park Casino & Racing, which represents the first Illinois casino to be launched by Accel Entertainment.
“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. We would not have been able to complete this casino and park improvements in less than five months without their support,” Accel Entertainment CEO Andy Rubenstein said.
Good to know: Fairmount Park Casino & Racing originally unveiled plans to add a casino element on April 1, 2025, including an $85-95m investment from Accel Entertainment
“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 is also said to mark Accel Entertainment’s strategic entry into the locals racino market, prioritizing “convenience, operational efficiency and market accessibility,” while aligning with “exceptional player experiences, managing cash logistics and navigating regulatory environments.”
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