Orland Hills is pushing to close a deal that will bring new and sometimes controversial entertainment to the community.

Arlington Park Racecourse is seeking approval for off-track wagering at a vacant storefront on 159th Street, according to John Daly, Orland Hills village administrator. A racecourse spokesman declined comment.

Daly updated village trustees at a meeting this week with a report that the village is in “good shape to move forward” once the Arlington Group has secured approval from the Illinois Racing Board. Daly said the wagering facility has the potential to boost revenue for the village, although he was unable to speculate as to how much new revenue the village will realize.

This is not the first time Orland Hills has been considered for off-track wagering, Daly said. Twice before since 1995 the village had been considered for such ventures, losing out both times, once to Mokena and once to Tinley Park, Daly said.

But in both cases, Daly said, village residents came out in large numbers “in support of” the Arlington Group proposal to establish a Trackside betting facility in Orland Hills. “Revenue was the attraction,” Daly said.

As far as the village is concerned, all is ready for the Arlington Group to come in and remodel the existing space at 9201 W. 159th Street, which his currently zoned to accommodate such a business. A liquor license at the local level is also being considered, Daly said.