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Legislative Intent

The Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975 is intended to benefit the people of the State of Illinois by assisting economic development and promoting Illinois tourism.

The General Assembly finds and declares it to be the public policy of the State of Illinois to:

  1. Support and enhance Illinois' horse racing industry, which is a significant component within the agribusiness industry;
  2. Ensure that Illinois' horse racing industry remains competitive with neighboring states;
  3. Stimulate growth within Illinois' horse racing industry, thereby encouraging new investment and development to produce additional tax revenues and to create additional jobs;
  4. Promote the further growth of tourism;
  5. Encourage the breeding of thoroughbred and standardbred horses in Illinois; and
  6. Ensure that public confidence and trust in the credibility and integrity of racing operations and the regulatory process is maintained.