Birmingham Racecourse officially purchased by Poarch Creek Indians with 'world-class' expansion plans in mind

On Wednesday, the Poarch Creek Indians and the McGregor family announced that the sale of the historic Birmingham Racecourse property was finalized, and the Tribe’s gaming and hotel business, Wind Creek Hospitality, is the official new owner.

Tribal officials, the McGregors, and Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin said the location is set to be transformed into a “world-class destination resort in Birmingham” that will spur economic growth for the region.

The property was first established in 1987 as a thoroughbred horse racing track and developed by businessman Milton McGregor throughout the 1990s through its transition to greyhound racing.

In the 2010s, it increasingly relied on simulcast betting and other forms of pari-mutuel wagering. McGregor passed away in 2018 and greyhound racing was eventually phased out entirely in 2020.

Throughout the duration of its history, the Birmingham Racecourse faced financial challenges to remain open. Those challenges might now be over under PCI’s ownership, with Wind Creek’s established experience with deluxe hotel and casino properties in Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, the Caribbeans.

“We are excited to finalize this acquisition and begin a new chapter for the Birmingham Racecourse,” Jay Dorris, President and CEO of PCI Gaming Authority said.

“Our vision is to build upon the strong foundation that is already in place while enhancing the facility to create a first-class entertainment destination that benefits the Birmingham community and the region.”

During 2025, PCI expects to finalize the transfer of operations, survey the region to better understand customer demands, and solidify plans to expand facilities and operations in the future.

Also according to PCI, the facility will continue to offer the parimutuel and historical horse racing games currently in operation.

Lewis Benefield, President of VictoryLand and former President of the Birmingham Racecourse said Wind Creek will elevate the property to new heights.

“The McGregor family is proud to have operated this property over the past three decades, and we are confident that it will be in great hands under the leadership of Wind Creek Hospitality,” Benefield said.

Wind Creek, with three existing locations in Atmore, Wetumpka and Montgomery, is now formalizing its expansion into Birmingham with ambitious plans for the historic property. Mayor Randall Woodfin said he welcomes the investment and the impact it will have on the city.

“More and more, Birmingham has a growing reputation as a destination for entertainment and sporting events, and this investment from the Poarch Creek Indians is a testament to the potential and vibrancy of our community,” Woodfin said.

“The redevelopment of the Birmingham Racecourse will create jobs, drive tourism, and further establish our city as a key player in the entertainment and hospitality industry.”

PCI Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie Bryan expressed a dedication to making good on its expansion in Birmingham.

“As a Tribal people, we are committed to being good neighbors and to being a force for economic growth and positive change. We are very excited to have this wonderful opportunity in Birmingham, and we look forward to creating a top-tier entertainment venue that will bring a boost to the local economy, provide good jobs, and attract tourists from all over the country to one of America’s most dynamic cities.”

As Alabama’s only federally recognized tribe, Poarch Creek operates casinos on their sovereign lands under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act 1988. This law permits tribes to conduct gaming activities, such as electronic bingo, on tribal lands.

Unlike the Poarch Creek Indians’ Class II gaming operations on federally recognized tribal land — which allows for electronic bingo and other games — the Birmingham Racecourse does is not on sovereign tribal territory.

As a result, it remains subject to state gaming laws, and full-scale casino gaming, such as Class III games like slot machines or table games, is not currently authorized.

Any expansion of gaming at the Racecourse beyond existing pari-mutuel offerings would require new legislation or a constitutional amendment approved by Alabama voters.

Members of the Alabama Senate are reportedly considering such legislation to expand the legal gaming environment during the 2025 state legislative session.

Grayson Everett is the editor in chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.