Slots at the track — a long-discussed idea that has not been approved by legislators in Springfield — would bring another 600 to 800 employees, $3 million more each year for the village, and enough profits to keep the track sustainable in the long-term, Petrillo said.

“That’s a proven business model we know works,” he said.

Mayor Tom Hayes on Wednesday called the track “one of our great businesses in town.”

Last year the Arlington Heights village board sent a letter to Springfield saying the village supports slots at the track.

“The village board is committed to ensuring that Arlington Park will remain the jewel of Arlington Heights for 100 years to come, and beyond,” Hayes said.

While it is up to Springfield to allow increased gaming at Arlington Park, the topic has not even come up in the last few years because of the ongoing budget crisis in Illinois.

And not everyone approves of the idea. For example, in Des Plaines, home of the Rivers Casino, there is interest in keeping the expansion of Illinois gambling to a minimum.

Petrillo asked the public to trust the Duchossois family, which has been involved with Arlington International since 1983, when Richard L. Duchossois headed a group that bought the track.

“If (slots) come to Arlington Heights, it is going to be done in a first-class manner,” he said. “You have our commitment on that.”