Fairmount Park Casino & Racing in Collinsville has added live table games to its gaming floor as part of a broader effort to expand operations and increase activity at the Metro East property. The development marks another step in the venue’s transition into a full-service racino following the launch of casino operations in 2025.

Accel Entertainment, which owns the property, announced that visitors can now play live dealer games including blackjack, roulette, Ultimate Texas Hold ’Em and I Luv Suits. The addition follows the start of the 2026 live racing season and replaces the venue’s earlier focus on electronic table games with a more traditional casino setup.

“We promised our patrons a full-scale gaming and entertainment destination, and we’re beginning to deliver on that promise,” said Vince Gabbert, General Manager of Fairmount Park, in a company press release (pdf). “By offering table games, we’re providing a level of energy and social interaction our players have asked for. We are committed to continuing to enhance the racino experience and look forward to welcoming patrons in the Metro East and the greater St. Louis area to Fairmount for great thoroughbred racing, live table game action, over 250 exciting slots and a great variety of food and beverage offerings.”

Casino Expansion Brings Jobs and New Gaming Options

The live table games area forms part of an expansion project valued at roughly $3 million. The work created a dedicated gaming pit within the racetrack’s temporary casino space and is expected to generate approximately 35 jobs.

The gaming floor now includes multiple blackjack tables with varying betting limits alongside roulette and novelty table games. The company said the additions aim to strengthen evening attendance and encourage more visitors during racing days.

Fairmount Park continues to operate live horse racing every Tuesday and Saturday through October 27, 2026, while casino gaming and simulcast wagering remain available throughout the year. Racing events planned this season include Derby Day festivities on May 2 and The St. Louis Derby on August 29.

The racino also expanded amenities beyond gaming. Guests can access reopened clubhouse areas, updated restrooms, revised wagering options and additional food and beverage services. Track improvements include a new inner rail and a redesigned winner’s circle.

Revenue From Gaming Supports Racing Operations

Accel Entertainment stated that proceeds from the new gaming positions are being directed back into the racing side of the business. The company increased total purses for the 2026 racing season by $500,000, a move officials say has already contributed to larger race fields and more competitive events.

Company representatives linked the investment to broader efforts to strengthen thoroughbred racing in Southern Illinois and support long-term operations at the nearly century-old venue. Fairmount Park first opened in 1925 and now combines racing, casino gaming and sportsbook wagering at the Collinsville property.

The Illinois Gaming Board previously confirmed Fairmount’s status as the state’s first racino after casino operations began in April 2025. State officials also noted that licensing and gaming position fees tied to the property were directed into the Rebuild Illinois fund under the state’s gaming expansion legislation approved in 2019.

Long-Term Development Plans Continue

The table games launch represents an early phase of larger redevelopment plans outlined after Accel Entertainment acquired Fairmount in 2024. The company previously discussed multi-million-dollar capital investments tied to future growth at the site.

Accel operates nearly 29,000 electronic gaming terminals across more than 4,600 locations in ten states, including bars, restaurants, truck stops and gaming cafés. The company also manages several self-operated gaming venues, including Fairmount Park.

Located near the St. Louis metropolitan area, Fairmount Park has increasingly focused on combining racing with expanded entertainment offerings to attract a broader customer base. Officials said the addition of live dealers gives players in the region another local gaming destination while helping maintain steady traffic at the racino throughout the year.