Fairmount Park Casino: Record-Breaking 2026 Leads to Massive Facility Upgrades

The horse racing and casino entertainment world is looking closely at Collinsville, Illinois. Fairmount Park Casino & Racing has just wrapped up a 2026 racing season that will go down as one of the most successful in the facility's recent history. In an industry that often faces significant headwinds, this location demonstrates how targeted investment and a strong connection to the local community can break both sporting and economic records. Accel Entertainment (NYSE: ACEL), a leading locals-focused gaming operator, is consistently betting on the growth potential of this historic venue which has been a staple of the region since 1925.

This upswing is no accident but the result of steady modernization. During the recently concluded season, significant infrastructure investments were already made. A new inner rail, a renovated clubhouse kitchen, and a fresh winner's circle are just a few of the improvements that guests and athletes have already experienced. However, the team led by General Manager Brian Jenkins has even bigger plans. For the upcoming 2027 season, projects are scheduled that will permanently change the face of the track, including brand-new jockey quarters and a modern racing office.

Numbers and facts

The 2026 balance sheet is impressive, especially when compared directly to the 2025 season. Fairmount Park recorded an 18 percent increase in participating horses and conducted 30 more races. The attraction for the public was enormous, with nearly 19,000 more spectators visiting the track than in the previous year. A major highlight was the St. Louis Derby, which drew over 6,000 people on a single day. Participants also benefited financially, as purses awarded during the 2026 season rose by 37 percent compared to 2025.

In terms of sports performance, two names stood out: Alexander Bendezu earned Jockey of the Year honors with 76 wins and earnings of $1,315,904. Among trainers, Scott Becker triumphed with 67 wins and earnings of $1,361,400. Notable fan favorites also included Johanis Aranguren from Venezuela with 50 wins and young local jockey Brody Martinez with 31 victories. This diversity in the field underscores the local and international importance of the venue.

Background

Fairmount Park Casino is a prime example of a locals-focused gaming operation. Behind this success is Accel Entertainment Inc., which specializes in linking gaming offerings with local communities and small businesses. The goal is to provide a safe and entertaining experience that goes beyond simple wagering.

"We set several records this season, and it was a very successful year from start to finish. We’re going to keep investing in our racing product every year, including our track infrastructure and purses to draw the best talent from around the region right here in Collinsville." - Brian Jenkins, General Manager at Fairmount Park

For 2027, a new schedule has already been established. The season will be longer, running from April 6 to November 23. Live racing days are set for Tuesdays and Wednesdays, as well as the first Saturday of each month, with May 1 marking the first Saturday race day of the year.

Why it matters for German players

For players in Germany, such news from the US provides an interesting point of comparison. While US tracks often merge with casinos to create massive local events, the German market is strictly regulated by the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). This means German customers should only play on platforms listed on the official whitelist of the Joint Gambling Authority of the States (GGL). Anyone interested in horse betting or online slots in Germany must follow clear rules. These include a cross-operator deposit limit of 1,000 Euros per month and a stake limit of 1 Euro per spin on virtual slot machines. These measures are designed for player protection and are monitored via the LUGAS system. Unlike the US model, which focuses heavily on on-site entertainment, the German focus is primarily on online safety and addiction prevention through centralized monitoring.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

German GGL-licensed casinos can learn from Fairmount Park’s success that quality and transparency strengthen customer trust. Even if German operators do not manage physical racetracks, the principle of continuously improving the user experience is universal. The GGL ensures that only reputable operators act in the market, leading to long-term stability similar to what Accel Entertainment is displaying in Illinois. Betting legally in Germany provides the assurance that winnings are paid out fairly and data protection is maintained, without the risks associated with illegal MGA or Curacao platforms.