The Illinois Racing Board was created in 1933 and its legal mandate
is defined in the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975. The jurisdiction,
supervision, powers, and duties of the Illinois Racing Board shall extend
under the Act to every person who holds or conducts any race meeting
within the State of Illinois where horse racing is permitted for any
stake, purse or reward. The mission of the Illinois Racing Board is
to regulate horse racing through the enforcement of the Act and its
rules and regulations and to ensure the honesty and integrity of Illinois
racing and wagering.
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:
(a) Support and enhance Illinois' horse racing industry,
which is a significant component within
the agribusiness industry;
(b) Ensure that Illinois' horse racing industry remains competitive with neighboring states;
(c) Stimulate growth within Illinois' horse racing industry, thereby encouraging new investment and
development to produce additional tax revenues and to create additional jobs;
(d) Promote the further growth of tourism;
(e) Encourage the breeding of thoroughbred and standardbred horses in Illinois; and
(f) Ensure that public confidence and trust in the credibility and
integrity of racing operations and the regulatory process is maintained.
The IRB holds regular and special meetings as may be necessary to perform properly
and effectively all duties under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975.
