Hoffman Estates entertains off-track betting proposal

A gaming company wants to open an off-track betting parlor inside a Hoffman Estates bowling alley.

Inter-Track Partners will unveil its proposal to village officials tonight to offer off-track betting in the bar area of Poplar Creek Bowl at 2354 W. Higgins Road.

Inter-Track operates 16 OTBs in Illinois, including the Elk Grove Village facility that opened in October as well as parlors in Wauconda, North Aurora, Aurora and Oakbrook Terrace. This could be Hoffman Estates' first.

Trustee Gary Pilafas, chairman of the village's planning panel, said other developers have expressed interest in establishing off-track betting farther west near I-90 and Route 59.

He said this location could raise other concerns because it's closer to residential areas, though he said the village is open at least to hearing the proposal.

Tonight's meeting is for review only and no formal approvals will be considered.

The village's planning meeting will also tonight review preliminary plans for a water park and hotel at Prairie Stone Business Park and a request from the Sears Centre, also at Prairie Stone, to host a food and music festival in its parking lot.

Tonight's village committee meetings start at 7:30 p.m. at village hall, 1900 Hassell Road.