Published on: November 19, 2024, 10:09h.
Last updated on: November 19, 2024, 10:09h.
Wind Creek Hospitality has reached an agreement to acquire the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino in Alabama from its current owners.
Greyhound racing at the Birmingham Racecourse came to a stop in 2020 due to the pandemic. Wind Creek Hospitality, a subsidiary of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, is purchasing the gaming facility from the McGregor family, who have owned and operated it since 1992.
With a focus on gaming operations post-pandemic, the racecourse offers simulcast parimutuel wagering on horses and greyhounds, along with historical horse racing machines. The casino features approximately 300 slot-like gaming terminals.
Jay Dorris, president and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality, expressed excitement about the acquisition, citing shared goals of providing entertainment, attracting tourism, and fostering economic growth in Alabama.
The sale of Birmingham Racecourse and Casino to Wind Creek is anticipated to be finalized in early 2025, although the sale price has not been disclosed.
Known for their philanthropy, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians already support several organizations in the Birmingham region, including the Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Promise college scholarship initiative.
Wind Creek Birmingham?
Wind Creek Hospitality operates tribal casinos in Alabama featuring bingo-based electronic gaming machines. Unlike their other properties, Wind Creek Birmingham will not seek sovereign land status, continuing to operate as a parimutuel wagering facility instead.
Future plans for rebranding or adding amenities like a hotel at Wind Creek Birmingham remain unclear as of now.
Wind Creek Hospitality’s expansion includes the upcoming Wind Creek Chicago Southland in Illinois, alongside ongoing investments in Wind Creek Bethlehem.
Victoryland Focus
HHR gaming has gained prominence in Alabama following legal battles involving electronic bingo machines in the state. Victoryland, owned by the McGregor family, continues to operate with HHR devices under its parimutuel license.
Lewis Benefield, president of the Birmingham Racecourse Casino and Victoryland, highlighted challenges faced due to Alabama’s gaming laws and emphasized the importance of unified legislation for the state’s gaming industry.