Expertise in a specific skill or field demands significant time and effort. It’s not easy to be the master of the game and dedicate oneself to the pursuit of success. It asks for motivation, perseverance, patience, and, most importantly, consistency. The same rule applies to the business world. And an individual cannot become a thoughtful leader without honing a specific set of skills, experience, and passion for an industry.
We are privileged to bring forth such a personality in our edition, The Most Inspiring Personalities to Follow in 2024. A person who has devoted her life to the game and has become a master of it.
Meet Melissa G. Helton, President & General Manager at FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing (Previously known as Fairmount Park Racetrack) in Southern Illinois. For over 25 years, Melissa has dedicated her life to contributing to an environment where people can enjoy the thrill of casinos and gaming. Known for her commitment to open communication and mentorship, Melissa has implemented policies that foster collaboration and inclusivity among her team. She has also won numerous accolades in her career that have rendered her an icon in a very heavily male-dominated industry.
Let’s take a deep dive into her amazing journey and learn what it takes to become an inspiring personality in the business world.
The Footsteps of a Remarkable Journey
It was the year 1998 when Melissa’s professional journey began in the casino industry. She started working at Caesars Southern Indiana in Elizabeth, Indiana and spent 12 years there. Subsequently, she transitioned to various casinos and resorts, steadily assuming roles with escalating levels of responsibility. Throughout her career, she held finance-related positions in Louisiana, Arizona, and Indiana, helming the duties of senior manager and director of finance operations. Each role contributed to her continuous growth and expertise in the casino industry.
Her dedication and hard work culminated in her appointment as the Senior Vice President of Finance at Del Lago Resort & Casino in New York from 2018 to 2020, marking the pinnacle of her career. Her professional trajectory shines a bright light on the rewards of unwavering commitment to a particular industry, showcasing how perseverance and focus can lead to remarkable success and career advancement.
While working upstate New York, a friend who was a recruiter contacted her about a job opportunity at Fairmount Park. This friend, who holds Melissa in the high vote of confidence, was certain that she was the only person who had experience in casinos, sportsbooks, and horse racing and could take up the job. This connection led her to her current position at Fairmount Park, where she opened a sportsbook and is now in the process of building a casino.
About Fairmount Park Racetrack
FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing, formerly known as Fairmount Park Racetrack, is a prominent horse racing facility located in Collinsville, Illinois, within the St. Louis metropolitan area. Established in 1925, the racetrack has been a cornerstone of the local community, providing thrilling horse racing experiences for generations. The venue is dedicated to hosting thoroughbred flat racing. It stands as one of only two active horse racing tracks in the state of Illinois and the sole track operating outside the Chicago metropolitan area. The current owner, Mr. William Stiritz, purchased the track in 2000 and has since worked tirelessly to enhance its offerings and ensure its success.
In recent years, Fairmount Park has undergone significant transformations, particularly with the introduction of sports wagering in 2020 and rebranding. Under the leadership of Melissa G. Helton, who became President and General Manager in April 2020, the racetrack has embraced innovation and modernization. Under Melissa’s extensive experience of over 25 years, the racetrack is on its way to reaching new heights of success in the gaming world.
Channeling Her Experience at Fairmount Park
Melissa joined Fairmount Park in January 2020 with a substantial list of responsibilities. At present, she oversees general operations, leads executive meetings and communicates with jockeys. However, things were not the same when she joined. She had to overcome a certain set of obstacles that were in no way positive for a business.
Melissa’s working style is detail-oriented. She believes that knowing all the details of projects is crucial to ensuring the right people are on the job. This way, the company can deliver the best experience possible to everyone. And that’s why Melissa was surprised to learn about the company’s past when she took over as the new manager at Fairmount.
The previous owners and managers had run things very differently. They never held staff meetings, and there was no open-door policy. Melissa knew this had to change. She believed that good communication was the key to growing a successful business.
Hence, the first thing Melissa did was shake up the company culture. She started regular staff meetings so everyone could learn what was happening in other departments. However, her biggest change was the introduction of an open-door policy. Now, any employee could come to her office to talk, even if it was just to say hello. Of course, if Melissa was in a meeting, her assistant would politely ask them to visit later. But the message was clear – Melissa was approachable and ready to listen.
This new way of doing things had a big impact. The atmosphere at Fairmount Park changed for the better. Employees felt more connected and valued. Melissa was proud of the positive changes she had brought about. By focusing on open communication, she transformed the company culture and set the racetrack on a path to greater success.
Melissa’s hard work soon paid off, and as early as October 2020, she managed to get the park a sports wagering license. It was the move that the company had envisioned in 2019 when the state of Illinois passed the law that the horse tracks in the state could open a racino (a combined horse racing track, live betting facility, and casino).
However, the company was suitable to hold a master sports wagering license, which meant it could move forward with the racino. It is also where FanDuel Group, the premier online gaming company, came into the picture with a partnership and rebranded the park as FanDuel Sportsbook and Horse Racing. In addition, the company planned a full revitalization of the venue, including the opening of a FanDuel Sportsbook retail location. Now, the racino was all that was left of the story, and Melissa and the park’s ownership sought out a sale or an acquisition where the next chapter of the racetrack will be opened.
The news came soon, as in July 2024, when Accel Entertainment came forward with the announcement of the purchase of FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing, with plans to continue racing and develop a long-stalled racino project. Melissa called it an ‘encouraging development’ and now eyes to witness the full development of the racino first-hand.
Being The Heart of Racing
At the core of Melissa’s work is her love for horse racing. She understands that the heart of Fairmount Park lies in the horses, jockeys, and trainers who make the sport so special. Melissa takes the time to connect with these individuals, learning their stories and understanding their needs. This personal touch not only strengthens relationships but also helps her make informed decisions that benefit everyone involved.
Melissa is often found in the Winners Circle after each race, celebrating the achievements of the horses and their connections. She believes that recognizing the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the racing community is essential to fostering a positive atmosphere at Fairmount Park.
Melissa envisions Fairmount Park as a leading destination for horse racing and gaming in the Midwest. She aims to attract visitors from across the country by offering a unique and exciting experience that combines the thrill of racing with the entertainment of a casino.
A Role Model for Women in Leadership
Melissa’s achievements have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as one of the Top 50 Fearless Leaders and awarded Woman of the Year by the International Association of Top Professionals. She has also been graced with the Top General Manager of the Year 2023 and Empowered Woman of the Year awards. Another accolade awaits her hall of fame as she will accept the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at IAOTP’s Annual Award Gala in December 2024, set to be unveiled at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville.
These honors reflect her dedication to her work and her role as a trailblazer for women in the gaming industry. She believes that being a leader means constantly learning and growing, and she encourages other women to pursue their dreams and take on leadership roles.
That’s why, as a successful woman in a male-dominated industry, Melissa is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of leaders. She believes that empowering young women to pursue careers in racing and gaming is crucial for the future of the industry. By fostering a supportive environment, Melissa hopes to create a community of strong, confident women who will continue to drive change in the industry.
Preparing for the Future
Looking ahead, Melissa acknowledges the challenges facing the industry, particularly the shortage of employees. As she prepares for important meetings with both the racing and gaming boards, this concern weighs heavily on her mind. Melissa knows that having adequate staffing will be crucial when the time comes to open their new racino.
At the same time, she is quite aware that the most significant trait of an employee is the skill set. According to her, it is crucial to not only have a skill set but also to continuously hone it to stay relevant in the industry. That’s the reason she’s quite careful in hiring employees who are team players and prioritizes the culture she sets.
In the next few years, Melissa’s biggest goal is to get the casino built and operational. She plans to involve all team members in this process, ensuring everyone has a role in getting the project off the ground. She envisions breaking new ground and seeing the new casino completed, which will lead to continued growth for FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing.
The Legacy of Fairmount Park
As Fairmount Park Racetrack approaches its 100th anniversary, Melissa Helton stands at the helm, ready to lead the way into a bright future. With her experience, vision, and commitment to excellence, she is determined to make FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing a premier destination for horse racing and gaming.
The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but Melissa is confident that with the support of her team and the community, the racetrack will continue to thrive. From now on, it’s up to us to keep an eye on Melissa and the FanDuel Sportsbook & Horse Racing team as they work to build a vibrant future for racing and gaming in Southern Illinois.
