Buffalo Grove officials are reviewing the status of a controversial off-track betting facility after learning in the last week that the wagering parlor has changed ownership, an apparent violation of the local ordinance that allowed the facility to operate.

Village trustees approved a special use permit in June 2009 allowing Inter-Track Partners LLC to operate an OTB in Adam’s Rib and Ale House at 301 Milwaukee Ave. The move came despite protests from a number of residents during a meeting that lasted more than seven hours.

But last week, the village learned that the OTB was formally taken over by Hawthorne Race Course Inc. in the fall. Village officials became aware of the change when Hawthorne attempted to renew the OTB’s business license.

“We’re trying to get everything pieced together to understand what’s occurred,” Village Manager Dane Bragg said.

The village ordinance that allows the OTB to operate calls for “immediate termination” of its special use permit if the facility has a change in ownership.

“We don’t believe there’s been any ill will or malfeasance,” Bragg said.

A person at the OTB who identified himself over the phone as its guest services supervisor confirmed that the Buffalo Grove OTB is no longer being operated by Inter-Track but by Hawthorne. A call to Hawthorne was not returned. A man who identified himself as being with “Illinois Off-Track Betting” returned a call left at Inter-Track. The man left a message that “the parlor was sold to Hawthorne.” He did not leave his full name and was unavailable for further comment.

Inter-Track Partners was formed by a consortium of four Chicago-area racetracks – including Hawthorne – when off-track betting first moved into Illinois in the late 1980s. Inter-Track has operated several OTBs in the region.

Bragg said he expected the village board to discuss the matter at its next regular meeting  on Dec. 6. Hawthorne will be asked to send a representative to that meeting.