Published March 13, 2026 • By SPUNK LLC • 16 min read

Horse Racing Near Chicago 2026: Arlington Park's Legacy, Hawthorne Race Course, and Where to Bet in Illinois

Arlington Park closed permanently in 2021 and the Chicago Bears are developing the site for a new stadium. In 2026, Hawthorne Race Course in Stickney (12 miles southwest of downtown Chicago) is the primary horse racing venue in the Chicago area. Illinois residents can also bet on horses legally online through TVG, FanDuel Racing, and TwinSpires.

Last updated: March 2026

For decades, Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights was the crown jewel of Midwest horse racing. Its closure in 2021 left a massive void in Chicago's horse racing scene that is still being felt in 2026. But horse racing near Chicago is not dead. It has shifted, adapted, and in some ways is more accessible than ever through a combination of live tracks, off-track betting, and online wagering platforms.

This guide covers everything a Chicago-area horse racing fan needs to know in 2026: the Arlington Park story, where to watch and bet on live racing, Illinois betting laws, and the tools and resources to make smarter wagers.

The Arlington Park Story: What Happened and What Is Next

Arlington International Racecourse opened in 1927 in Arlington Heights, Illinois, about 25 miles northwest of downtown Chicago. For nearly a century, it was the premier horse racing venue in the Midwest, hosting the Arlington Million, the first thoroughbred race in North America to offer a $1 million purse when it debuted in 1981.

The track sat on 326 acres of prime suburban real estate. At its peak, Arlington Park attracted over 30,000 spectators for major race days. The grandstand was a marvel of midcentury design, and the track itself was one of the finest turf courses in the country.

The Decline and Closure

Horse racing attendance across the United States has been declining since the 1990s, and Arlington Park was not immune. Competition from casinos, online gambling, and changing entertainment preferences slowly eroded the track's financial viability. Churchill Downs Inc., which acquired Arlington Park in 2000, increasingly viewed the property's land value as exceeding its value as a racing venue.

In 2021, Churchill Downs officially ceased racing operations at Arlington Park. The last race was run on September 25, 2021, ending 94 years of thoroughbred racing at the site. Churchill Downs subsequently sold the property to the Chicago Bears of the NFL, who announced plans to develop a new stadium and mixed-use entertainment district on the site.

The Bears Stadium Development

The Chicago Bears' proposed development of the former Arlington Park site has been one of the most closely watched real estate and sports stories in Illinois. The plan includes a new enclosed stadium, a surrounding entertainment district with retail, dining, and hotel space, and significant infrastructure improvements to handle game-day traffic in the suburban location.

As of 2026, the project is in various stages of planning and approvals. The development has faced challenges including financing negotiations with the state of Illinois, infrastructure concerns from surrounding communities, and environmental reviews. The timeline for completion remains uncertain, but the Bears have maintained their commitment to the Arlington Heights site.

For horse racing fans, the key takeaway is clear: live thoroughbred racing is not returning to Arlington Park. The question is where it goes from here in the Chicago area.

Hawthorne Race Course: Chicago's Surviving Track

Getting There

Hawthorne sits at the intersection of Laramie Avenue and 35th Street, just south of I-55. From downtown Chicago, it is about a 20-30 minute drive depending on traffic. The Cicero CTA Green Line station is roughly 2 miles from the track, making it accessible by public transit with a short rideshare connection. Parking is available on-site, typically free on regular racing days.

Racing Season and Schedule

Hawthorne operates a split-season schedule that typically runs:

• Spring/Summer Meet: Thoroughbred racing, usually April through September
• Fall/Winter Meet: Harness racing (standardbred), usually October through March

Racing days typically include afternoon cards with post times starting around 12:30 PM or 1:00 PM on weekends and 3:00 PM or later on weekday cards. Check Hawthorne's official website for the current schedule, as days and post times vary throughout the meet.

Admission and Facilities

General admission to Hawthorne is typically free or low-cost on most racing days. The facility includes:

• Grandstand seating with views of the homestretch
• Clubhouse level with dining options and premium seating
• Simulcast area for wagering on races at other tracks nationwide
• Multiple betting windows and self-service kiosks
• Concession stands with standard track fare
• Outdoor areas for watching races in warmer months

Hawthorne's Casino Plans

One of the most significant developments for Hawthorne is its pursuit of a casino license under the Illinois Gaming Act expansion. Hawthorne has been working to develop a casino operation integrated with its racing facility. This would bring slot machines, table games, and a full gaming floor to the property, creating a combined racing and casino entertainment venue similar to models that have succeeded in other states.

The addition of casino gaming would dramatically change the financial picture for Hawthorne and for Illinois horse racing in general, providing a new revenue stream that can support purses and facility improvements.

Other Tracks Within Driving Distance

If you are willing to make a day trip or weekend getaway, several other tracks are within driving distance of Chicago.

Off-Track Betting in Chicagoland

If you do not want to drive to a track but still want the experience of watching and wagering on live racing, off-track betting (OTB) parlors are scattered throughout the Chicago area. These facilities offer simulcast feeds from tracks across the country, along with betting windows and self-service terminals.

Illinois has a network of inter-track wagering facilities (ITW) that allow you to bet on races from major tracks including:

• Churchill Downs (Louisville, KY)
• Saratoga Race Course (Saratoga Springs, NY)
• Santa Anita Park (Arcadia, CA)
• Gulfstream Park (Hallandale Beach, FL)
• Keeneland (Lexington, KY)
• Del Mar (Del Mar, CA)

OTB locations vary in quality from basic betting parlors to full-service facilities with dining and lounge areas. Check the Illinois Racing Board's website for a current list of licensed OTB locations in your area.

Online Horse Racing Betting in Illinois

Online advance deposit wagering (ADW) is legal in Illinois, which means you can bet on horse races from your phone or computer from anywhere in the state. This is the most convenient option for Chicago-area fans who want to bet on races without driving to a track or OTB parlor.

The major legal online horse racing betting platforms available in Illinois include:

TVG

TVG is one of the largest and most established online horse racing betting platforms in the United States. Owned by FanDuel Group, it offers live streaming of races from tracks worldwide, comprehensive handicapping data, expert picks, and a user-friendly mobile app. TVG also operates a television network dedicated to horse racing coverage.

FanDuel Racing

FanDuel's dedicated horse racing platform integrates with their broader sportsbook ecosystem. If you already have a FanDuel account for sports betting, the horse racing section provides seamless access to wagering on races nationwide.

TwinSpires

Operated by Churchill Downs Inc. (the same company that closed Arlington Park), TwinSpires is another major ADW platform. It offers extensive past performance data, speed figures, and handicapping tools. The platform is particularly strong for bettors who want deep analytical data to inform their wagers.

BetAmerica / 1/ST BET

Now operating under the 1/ST BET brand (owned by The Stronach Group, which operates Santa Anita, Gulfstream, and other tracks), this platform offers competitive odds and live streaming from their owned tracks. It is a solid option if you frequently bet on West Coast or Florida racing.

Illinois Horse Racing Betting Laws

Illinois has a well-established regulatory framework for horse racing and horse racing wagering. Here are the key legal points every bettor should know:

Important: Illinois law requires that ADW operators be licensed by the Illinois Racing Board. Only use platforms that are specifically authorized to operate in Illinois. Unlicensed offshore betting sites are illegal and offer no consumer protections.

Horse Racing Betting Tips for Beginners

If you are new to horse racing betting, here are the fundamentals you need to know before placing your first wager at Hawthorne or online.

Understanding the Basics

• Win: Your horse finishes first. Highest payout, hardest to hit.
• Place: Your horse finishes first or second. Lower payout, better odds.
• Show: Your horse finishes first, second, or third. Lowest payout, best odds.
• Exacta: Pick the first and second place finishers in exact order.
• Trifecta: Pick the first, second, and third place finishers in exact order.
• Superfecta: Pick the top four finishers in exact order. Long odds, big payouts.

Reading the Racing Form

The Daily Racing Form (DRF) provides past performance data for every horse in a race. Key data points to examine:

• Speed figures: Numerical rating of a horse's recent race performances. Higher is better.
• Pace figures: How fast the horse typically runs in different stages of the race (early, middle, late).
• Track surface: Some horses perform differently on dirt vs. turf. Check past performances on the surface being raced today.
• Distance: Horses have preferred distances. A sprinter may not perform well at 1.5 miles, and a router may not have the speed for 6 furlongs.
• Jockey and trainer stats: Win percentage for the current jockey-trainer combination at this track.
• Post position: The starting gate position. Some post positions have statistical advantages at certain tracks depending on track configuration and distance.

Bankroll Management

The most important betting tip is not about picking winners. It is about managing your money.

• Set a budget for the day before you arrive at the track or open the app. When it is gone, stop.
• Never bet more than 5% of your daily bankroll on a single race.
• Start with win/place/show bets to learn the game before moving to exotic wagers.
• Do not chase losses. A bad day at the track happens. Accept it and move on.
• Track your bets over time to identify patterns in what works and what does not.

Chicago-Specific Tips

For betting at Hawthorne specifically:

• Hawthorne's main track is a one-mile dirt oval. Inside rail horses (low post positions) have a slight edge in shorter races.
• Weather matters more at Hawthorne than at covered tracks. Check the forecast. A sloppy track changes everything.
• Local trainers who stable at Hawthorne often have an edge over shippers. Know the local barns.
• The harness racing meet (fall/winter) has a different betting dynamic than thoroughbred racing. Driving ability matters as much as horse speed.

The Future of Horse Racing in Chicago

The loss of Arlington Park was a significant blow to Chicago-area horse racing, but the sport is adapting. Hawthorne's casino plans could inject new revenue into Illinois racing, supporting higher purses and attracting better horses. Online wagering platforms have made it easier than ever to bet on races from anywhere in the state. And the enduring appeal of watching live horse racing at a track, feeling the ground shake as the field thunders past, remains irreplaceable.

For Chicago horse racing fans, 2026 is a transitional year. The scene is different from what it was when Arlington Park was the centerpiece. But between Hawthorne, OTB facilities, online platforms, and road trips to Indiana Grand and Churchill Downs, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the sport of kings in the Windy City.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links and promotional content. Gambling involves risk. Only wager what you can afford to lose. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.