Fairmount Park Casino & Racing is throwing a major party for its 100th birthday, and the Collinsville, Illinois venue has quite a history since opening back in 1925. Vince Gabbert, who serves as SVP of US Gaming and GM at the property, is leading the anniversary planning efforts and seems genuinely excited about the milestone.
But there’s been a big ownership change recently. Accel Entertainment bought Fairmount Holdings for $35 million last December, giving them control of both the racetrack and FanDuel sportsbook operations. The deal was originally announced in July 2024, so it took several months to finalise. This puts Accel in an interesting position as the new owner celebrating someone else’s century of work.
Why This Milestone Matters for Racing
Celebrating a full century of horse racing is pretty rare in the gaming world, and Gabbert knows it means more than just hitting big numbers. “This milestone is about more than just racing; it’s about honouring the generations of fans, horsemen, and team members who have made Fairmount Park what it is today,” he explained.
The venue wants to connect with the broader local community rather than just appealing to hardcore racing fans. They’re positioning this as everyone’s celebration, which makes sense given how long the track has been part of the area. Racing has changed dramatically over 100 years, but Fairmount has managed to stick around through all those shifts.
What the Three-Day Event Includes
Things kick off September 18 with free giveaways where cardholders can grab commemorative hats or t-shirts while supplies last. Pretty standard casino promotion stuff.
But the real action happens September 19 during the fifth annual St. Louis Derby, which offers a massive $250,000 grand prize that officially makes it Illinois’ richest horse racing event. That’s serious money in racing circles.
After the Derby wraps up, Fairmount hands out $10,000 in cash giveaways, though you’ll need a player’s card to enter those drawings.
September 20 shifts gears completely to family-friendly activities. Face painting, magicians, and jugglers will entertain guests alongside oversized lawn games like cornhole and connect four.
How the Acquisition Changes Things
Accel Entertainment’s $35 million purchase gives them a solid combination in Illinois’ competitive gaming market, especially with the FanDuel sportsbook attached. The property had its official soft opening on April 18, showing off new enhancements throughout the facility.
The anniversary celebration helps establish Accel’s presence in Illinois racing while providing excellent marketing for the FanDuel brand. “We look forward to the next hundred years of racing and entertainment here at Fairmount Park,” Gabbert added.
The event should draw both longtime racing fans and curious newcomers, especially with free activities and cash giveaways boosting attendance numbers.
