Fairmount Park Casino & Racing saw a plethora of upgrades in 2025 under new ownership, Accel Entertainment, and they aren't slowing down anytime soon in 2026. In the new year, Fairmount Park General Manager Vince Gabbert plans to keep expanding offerings in all aspects, including the on-track product, concessions, the casino, facilities, and much more.
Gabbert said Fairmount Park took the lead as the best horse racing track in the state of Illinois in 2025, and the on-track product will continue to improve in 2026. The addition of an on-site casino last year created more revenue to go directly into purses for races, attracting a bigger field size and well-known trainers to compete at the track.
"Purses will continue to increase as revenue increases from the casino this year," Gabbert said. "As our purses continue to grow, our product is going to be much improved and really stand out on the national landscape because of who is coming to Fairmount. We're also replacing the inner rail on our track, creating a safer environment for our jockeys and horses. We're making repairs to barns and even considering building new ones so more owners and trainers can bring their horses for the season. It's great to see how far we've come on the track in just a year."
Fairmount Park's offerings grew off the track in 2025, too. Longshots, a premier country-western barbecue restaurant and bar, opened at the park. Upgraded concessions and new food service outlets greeted fans on race days, and maintenance was done across the track. In 2026, Fairmount Park is beefing up concession stands further in efficiency and quality of service, along with reopening food service in the clubhouse.
"We are also adding table games to the casino floor right now," Gabbert said. "When we first opened the casino, we only had electronic table games, but we're bringing actual table games into the picture. Our casino is currently in a temporary spot, but we will have an announcement soon on the permanent casino building. There are a lot of exciting things in the works at Fairmount Park."
The casino and Longshots are open year-round at Fairmount Park, giving residents in St. Louis and the Metro East a fun outing no matter the time of the year. Racing season is just around the corner, with horses hitting the track in April.
