From the Chicago Sun-Times:

"Other states allow “racinos” — race tracks with other forms of gambling, such as slot machines. In more than 10 states, including Indiana and Kentucky, track owners use that gaming revenue to boost horse-racing purses." ... "But Illinois bans that practice, and efforts to change that have failed. Track owners and members of the state racing board support the change, saying bigger purses will bring in better horses and bigger crowds. Without it, they fear the industry will continue to decline."