One of the as-yet-overlooked aspects of moving the OTB back to Champaign from Urbana is that there is a considerable amount of revenue to the respective park districts which shifts with it. Or at least it's supposed to:
The Champaign Park District stands to reap about $50,000 a year if the local off-track betting parlor moves to Jupiter's at the Crossing in Champaign later this year as planned.
Park district Executive Director Bobbie Herakovich said local park districts are supposed to get a portion of revenues from OTBs, and she'll likely recommend the money go for ongoing renovation of the Virginia Theatre.
But if the Urbana Park District's experience is any indication, the Champaign district shouldn't count its chickens too soon.
Vicki Mayes, executive director of the Urbana district, said her district received OTB money only the first year the off-track betting parlor operated at The Brickhouse in Urbana. The second year, Gov. Rod Blagojevich "swept away" the money earmarked for park districts, and Mayes said she doubts Urbana will receive anything for the third year either.
(Link was missing before, but fixed now. Sorry!)
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