Hawthorne Sportsbook Casino - Professional Technology Services

Level-1 delivered technology services for Hawthorne Sportsbook Casino’s $400M transformation, integrating gaming, A/V, and digital infrastructure at Illinois’ oldest racetrack.

Founded in 1891, Hawthorne Race Course stands as Illinois’ oldest sporting venue and the longest continuously family-owned racetrack in North America. In 2020, it made history again becoming the state’s first off-track and non-casino sportsbook approved by the Illinois Gaming Board. With a $400 million transformation in motion, the venue is evolving from legacy racetrack to hybrid entertainment destination, redefining what sports betting can look like in the Chicago region. 

Located in Cicero, the reimagined Hawthorne Sportsbook Casino now boasts immersive audiovisual experiences including a 163-inch Hero LED video wall, twenty-four 75-inch TVs broadcasting live sports, and a fully integrated sound system that envelops guests in the action from every angle. This ambitious transformation merges tradition with technology, attracting a new generation of fans to a site rich in heritage. 

In partnership with technology consultant Engineering PLUS, Level-1 Global Solutions supported the professional services required to bring the sportsbook’s digital infrastructure to life. This included electrical distribution design and comprehensive coordination with the casino technology department to ensure seamless integration of gaming systems. 

What We Delivered 

• Electrical distribution design supporting high-performance gaming and A/V systems 
• Systems coordination with casino technology team to align network, A/V, and gaming infrastructure 
• Integration of immersive sportsbook display technology and audio systems 
• Support for operational readiness and digital experience delivery across the venue 

By bridging 19th-century legacy with 21st-century innovation, Level-1 helped position Hawthorne not just as a racetrack, but as a future-ready hub for Illinois gaming. This project honors the venue’s storied past while setting a bold, technology-driven course for the next generation of fans and bettors.