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Off-Track Betting Facility to Open in Bolingbrook?

The village board will vote Tuesday whether to allow a Hawthorne Race Course off-track betting facility to open in Bolingbrook.

 

An off-track betting establishment may open in Bolingbrook. 

The village board will vote on two ordinances Tuesday that would pave the way for the Hawthorne Race Course OTB (off-track betting) facility. The first is an amendment to the zoning ordinance addressing off-track betting. The second is a special use permit. 

Both ordinances address a proposed OTB facility at 730 N. Bolingbrook Drive, the site of McQ's Bar & Grill. The applicant is Jeff Kras of Hawthorne Race Course, Inc. 

Hawthorne Race Course has other OTB locations in Aurora, Chicago, Glendale Heights, Joliet, Mokena and Prospect Heights, according to its website

McQ's Bar & Grill will also need approval by the Illinois Racing Board to open the OTB. Village documents made no mention when the OTB facility would open. 

Attempts to reach both village officials and McQ's Bar & Grill for comment were unsuccessful by post time. 

An off-track betting facility could mean thousands of dollars in tax revenue for Bolingbrook. 

An OTB parlor in Yorkville was projected to bring in $110,000 in tax revenue between 2011 to 2015, according to Hawthorne Race Course’s Chief Financial Officer, Jeff Kras.

That parlor, which opened in late 2010, closed in April 2012 after poor business. City officials estimated it brought in at least $15,000 to $20,000 for the city of Yorkville.

What do you think of an off-track betting establishment in Bolingbrook? Tell us in the comments. 

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Related Topics: Bolingbrook, Hawthorne Race Course, OTB, Village of Bolingbrook, and off-track betting

Despiser of Obama

8:38 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Very stupid idea! It will draw a lot of undesirables!

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an undersirable

7:07 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

it would be in a resturant if you didnt go in you wouldnt notice a thing

Mare

8:51 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

There are better ways of bringing money in. This is not the kind of image we want to project for Bolingbrook anymore!

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Maori Tuakana

9:05 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Totally agree DOO, & Mare W. Is this really a revenue solution?

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Despiser of Obama

9:35 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Can we say some gang bangers hanging around there scoping out their prey for their winnings. Wow what are you talking about for tax revenue? Maybe 200,000? Wow! Better ways for the Village to raise money! I'd rather see speed cameras for revenue. The cameras bring in money and cite the speeders, Easy and fast money and a victimless crime!

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jlaski

12:47 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Not real sure what planet you are from but your comment is not based in logic. OTB's are clean, safe, fun faclitlities. Mc Q's also has a great restaurant attached that has been and will only continue to be a compliment to bolingbrook.

Tara Blackwell Bozarth

10:14 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I think this is an awful idea. I hate it when the government endorses gambling establishments. It ends up costing municipalities more in civic and social services than it brings in. It steals from our poor in hopes of a big payout.

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Bob Jamesly

10:27 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Undesireables: do we say there aren't enough here already?

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stef

10:27 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Where are they going to put it? Do we really need to have another attraction for 'less than desirable'? I am not saying all the people who go are....but most will be. Lets have Bolingbrook be known for other good venues. I would also rather have speed cameras for revenue.

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Despiser of Obama

10:33 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Residential and car burglaries will increase and the pawn shop will keep busy!

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Valerie Summers

10:39 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Not a fan of the speed cameras, but would rather have them then this.
Didn't they have one of these in Boomerangs in Romeoville at one time??
I agree, it will attracted the wrong kinds of people. Not saying all bad, but I'm sure to become a hangout for many not so grand people.

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stef

10:40 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Will it affect our property taxes (to go down). Doubtfully not.

Local businesses (movie theaters, restaurants, stores, etc) are going to lose revenue as a result of people wasting money on gambling so close by. Isn't our economy in bad enough shape as it is? Why add fuel to the fire with gambling and all the vices it brings with it: alcoholism, financial problems (foreclosures...we don't need more in Bolingbrook), addiction, loan-sharking, robberies, etc.

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Despiser of Obama

10:46 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Valerie can I be honest here and ask why you are not a fan of the speed cameras? I believe it's an extra law enforcement tool! Due to budget cuts and lack of Police, the cameras are the eyes for the Police for traffic enforcement. Plus by getting a ticket for speeding by the camera it's cheaper in fines and cost than an Officer writing the ticket. It cuts down on court cost and Police over time being in court or off the street for court!

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Tara Blackwell Bozarth

11:45 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Are any of you planning on being at the village hall to oppose or support the change to zoning ordinance tonight?

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Despiser of Obama

12:47 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Watch the Mayor make it a closed door session!

Despiser of Obama

11:45 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

What's next for revenue? The Village approving a Mustang Ranch like there is in Las Vegas'

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Andy

11:45 am on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I didn't know retired old men were considered "Undesirable".
Guess we should get rid of the Bingo hall on 53 too.

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Mare

12:47 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

If you can't be at the meeting, as I cannot, you should enmail or call the Mayor and Trustees to give your opinion.

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Despiser of Obama

12:47 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Bingo halls don't have scum gang bangers with their stupid ( ! ) baggy pants hanging around. If they put in OTB, a pay loan store should go in next door too!

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Anonymous

12:47 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

More tax revenue for Claar and Crew to spend. It w/b a great idea if the additional tax revenue w/b put to some good use. I highly doubt it.

Plus, there are enough addicts in the Village, even serving on our boards. I'm not sold on the idea.

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tom

4:38 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Rhonda,

Which board members were you referring to when you said "there are enough addicts in the Village, even serving on our boards."?

jlaski

12:47 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I have been to many OTB's and have enjoyed my experience each time. I am middle class, married and meet great people at places like myself all the time. In addition to the great food at Mcq's and the great way the dome itself is run I have no doubt this will be a classy place as well

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Jon C

12:48 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Isn't this the bar at the Bolingbrook Sports Dome? Seems like a good fit given the venue. And why turn down some extra tax dollars for a place most of us will never attend!

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my opinion

4:38 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Isn't the dome used by many youth sports groups? Doesn't sound like a good combination to me.

Instead of getting $ 15,000 a year in tax revenue from a gambling establishment, how about $ 2.00 vehicle stickers? That way the police can easily identify which vehicles belong in our town. just ask them (the police) they'll tell you that they like this idea better.

Despiser of Obama

4:38 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

With the State now approving the issuing of 250,000 licenses maybe the OTB will draw a large crowd?

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Anonymous

9:33 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

...love that idea, DOO. The golf course has been losing money since the doors opened. Since there's ton of golfing, drinking and shaky shaky. An OTB would be a perfect addition.

Maybe the addition will help to close the deficit.

Allan

4:38 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Alot of negativity about this plan??? Have any of you been in the new dome recently??? Who ever owns it now..did an amazing job with it.. The management is professional, respectful and very patron friendly... blew my expectations away..I thought I was going to walk into the same old run down dome of the past...But was pleasantly surprised of how great the inside looks now.... So if they want to add an otb I'm all for it and the additional tax dollars it can bring.

I'm hearing the typical stereotype that people have of otb's...which most that complain have never been in one themselves.. .do yourself a favor go to the dome and look around... the new mangement has alot of pride in what they are offering our city and it shows..

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Steven

4:38 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

OMG I visit this site every so often when I see something interesting once in a while. When I do it's usually always the same people like DoO complaining, throwing appinionated and stereo type comments around. Like quite a few others that comment, in order to move forward and have progress. Im not agreeing or desegreeing on the OTB however I know if all the other towns that were listed have them Bolingbrook surely could. Some of you people act like you are living in Oak Brook. Get over yourselves and let the town grow and be happy someone wants to open a business here!!

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Ken

4:38 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I don't see what the big deal is. There are a ton of places to buy lottery tickets at and even a Bingo hall down the street.

I would like to know which board members have problems with addiction. I think that it's something that the voters should consider when they cast their votes.

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tamananny

4:38 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I have been to a few OTB parlors, nad I don't consider myself undesireable. I have three college degrees and a steady paying job. I have never seen gang bangers hanging out at any of the OTB's I've gone to. I think it's a good idea, and I'm excited to go and spend my money there instead of traveling to Oak Brook. Let Bolingbrook make some extra money with the OTB. Hopefully, they will use it wisely.

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Despiser of Obama

7:07 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Three different types of clienteles, atmosphere and demographics, between Oakbrook and Bolingbrook!!

Sports Fan

4:38 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Most of you know nothing about OTB'S ,
This is America and free enterprise, let time tell if this will be good for our town.
The idea is to create new business and stimulate our local economy.
Its harmless fun for responsible adults..

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Andy

5:06 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I agree with the over the top negativity. I've been to a few OTB's and I've had no complaints. Ever been to the OTB that's attached to the Foundry in Nashville? Was able to walk in there not having a clue on horse racing and everyone there was happy to help me through my first time, friendly and fun. If this is going to be attached to the Dome, I would expect the same atmosphere.

As for the comments about its going in the dome and kids being right next door. Don't they serve ALCOHOL? Gimme a break, you people need to chill out.

Cant wait till they decide they want to put in a Gentlemans Club. Patch might crash from the insanity.

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Despiser of Obama

5:34 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I'm going to apply for a business license in Bolingbrook and build a Mustang Ranch like in LasVegas. If I'm denied I'll sue. Isn't it free enterprise?

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Despiser of Obama

5:34 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Or I'm going to build a Pro Life building in Bolingbrook and I probably would get refused a license!

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Andy

7:07 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Despiser...

Considering operating a brothel in Bolingbrook is ILLEGAL then yeah.. you'll get denied. You can sue, but it'll get thrown out in court. You could open it up in Europe if that tickles your fancy.

Not sure what your pro life comment is all about but.. okay.

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Despiser of Obama

12:29 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Why should a licensed brothel be illegal.

Despiser of Obama

7:07 pm on Tuesday, January 8, 2013

I'm going to apply for a business license in Bolingbrook and build a Mustang Ranch like in LasVegas. If I'm denied I'll sue. Isn't it free enterprise? My wife will work there for minimum wage and offer two for one specials.

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Despiser of Obama

12:29 am on Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Fake DOO needs a great attitude adjustment!!

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dale zettek

11:28 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013

two thumbs up for mayor clarr! he has generated revenue for the town of bolingbrook with additions of the promenade mall with super stores such as the pro bass shop &
ikea, barnes & noble and much much more! i truly believe that uniting a OTB will generate more revenue for the town of bolingbrook. {hello? their is a reason why we
don't need a village sticker on our windshields! $$} THUS, otb's are very organized
clean with a exciting atomospere, the supporters are mannered, kind & will solialized with others.

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