November 2020 Subscribe online now! www.ibjonline.com Illinois Business Journal Page 5 Fairmount to become FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing Multimillion dollar revamp planned, pending Illinois Gaming Board OK

FanDuel Group, the online gam- ing company, plans a multi-million- dollar investment in Fairmount Park Racetrack in Collinsville by revital- izing and rebranding the operation. A spokesman said the change is “a complete rebrand, but timing is TBA at the moment.” The track will be rebranded to FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, once all regulatory approvals are final. In addition to rebranding, the company plans to open a Fan- Duel Sportsbook retail location. FanDuel Group will work with the owners, William Stiritz and Associates, to revitalize the 95-year-old track including significant upgrades to the facility. The sportsbook retail location will depend on continued licensing and regulatory ap- The FanDuel Sportsbook outlet planned for Fairmount Park Racetrack. provals from the Illinois Gaming Board. FanDuel Group and its online bet- and TVG. FanDuel Group has a pres- “This partnership will allow the park to FanDuel Group’s TVG brand was ting business subsidiary TVG will fund ence across all 50 states and 8.5 million remain an important economic driver launched in 1999 and now broadcasts the renewal and running of the $250,000 customers. The company is based in New for the surrounding communities.” 60,000 races from more than 150 tracks St. Louis Derby, the track’s signature York with offices in California, New Although they would not release the around the world on its two channels, event, which has not been conducted Jersey, Florida, Oregon, and Scotland. exact amount of capital improvements, TVG and TVG2. TVG also simulcasts and since 2006 due to financial constraints. “We are delighted to partner with officials said addition of a retail sports- shares production resources with NBC The agreement signifies FanDuel Fairmount Park to continue bringing high book and the new horse racing events Sports, NBCSN and multiple NBC region- Group’s first investment in a race track. quality horse racing and soon additional are part of a modernization plan that will al sports networks to provide coverage of The company said the partnership is entertainment experiences via our sports- serve as a driver of economic growth major horse racing events during the year consistent with FanDuel Group’s long book to the region,” said Matt King, chief for the region, providing new jobs in the The FanDuel Sportsbook mobile history in the sport of horse racing via executive officer of FanDuel Group. entertainment and hospitality sector. and online sports betting experience is its subsidiary TVG, an online ADW “Fairmount is an iconic state landmark Fairmount is one of three horse racing currently available in Illinois. In the near platform and sports-oriented digital which we plan to modernize bringing venues currently active in Illinois and future, FanDuel Group’s sports betting cable and satellite television network. innovative technology and entertainment the only one outside the Chicago metro license will be transferred from Par-A- FanDuel Group is a sports-tech offerings only FanDuel can deliver.” area. The track opened in 1925 and of- Dice Casino to FanDuel Sportsbook and entertainment company. FanDuel Group “Fairmount Park is excited to ex- fers thoroughbred flat racing on a one- Horse Racing, pending approval from consists of a portfolio of brands across tend our partnership with FanDuel mile dirt oval. Fairmount Park has been the Illinois Gaming Board. The FanDuel gaming, sports betting, daily fantasy Group to now include their sports gam- approved to host 53 live racing days in Sportsbook is available in a total of 11 sports, advance-deposit wagering, and TV/ ing platform,” said Melissa Helton, 2021 along with daily simulcast wager- states via retail and online experiences. media, including FanDuel, Betfair US, general manager of Fairmount Park. ing on tracks throughout the country.

Regional Accomplishments

Growing Our Workforce • Played a key role in professional expedited licensure directly impacting 110 professions for military and their spouses • Presented to over 30,000+ individuals in the region promoting STEM workforce and technical careers through the Building Workforce2030 program Promoting Southwestern Illinois • Completed a regional marketing communications campaign to key internal and external economic development decision makers with regional partners • SITE Selection Magazine, a high profile magazine, EVP, Conway Inc./ Site Selection Magazine, Ron Starner visited and toured the Southwestern IL region • Consul of Economic Affairs for Consulate General of Japan in Chicago, Keidanren USA, and JETRO Chicago visited and toured the Southwestern IL region