Wind Creek Hospitality to acquire Birmingham Racecourse and Casino

Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has announced an agreement to acquire the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino from the McGregor family to be finalized by early 2025.

Wind Creek currently has three casinos in Alabama, including locations in Montgomery, Wetumpka and Atmore. Now, the Birmingham Racecourse, which offers pari-mutuel wagering and historical horse racing games, will continue operations under Wind Creek’s ownership.

According to Wind Creek, the company has plans to invest in the property to become “a premier entertainment destination in the Southeast.”

“For over 30 years, we have worked to provide the best possible experience for our customers and employees, while generating significant tax revenue for the state of Alabama and local charities,” said Lewis Benefield, President of the Birmingham Racecourse and Victoryland. “We have paid hundreds of millions of dollars to the State of Alabama and to local schools, hospitals, charities and other organizations that need financial support.”

During the 2024 legislative session, lawmakers debated expanding gaming in the state, but failed to pass a comprehensive reform. Members of the Alabama House approved a broad package authorizing a lottery, sports wagering, and casino-style gaming — before the Alabama Senate scaled it back to focus only on a state lottery and limited forms pari-mutuel wagering. The House-approved gaming bill included provisions for the Governor of Alabama to negotiate a compact with PCI, potentially allowing them to offer Class III gaming at their facilities.

According to Benefield, years of legislative deadlock has hindered the McGregor family’s ability to expand the Birmingham Racecourse’s offerings. Without updated gaming laws, operations remain restricted, limiting the facility’s potential to compete and grow within Alabama’s fragmented gaming industry.

“The people of Birmingham desire the same types of entertainment offered at other facilities in and around Alabama,” Benefield said. “Unfortunately, differing state laws and enforcement actions regarding gaming have limited our ability to compete effectively. The McGregor family will now focus their efforts on Victoryland in Macon County and advocate for unified gaming legislation in Alabama which would capture much-needed revenue for the people of Alabama.”

According to Wind Creek, the company will be working closely with local officials on steps moving forward as the sale is finalized and expansion plans are developed.

“We are excited to bring the Birmingham Racecourse into the Wind Creek family, said Jay Dorris, President and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality. “The McGregor family built and has operated the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino for decades. Over those years, it became clear to us that we share many of the same goals — providing great entertainment, attracting tourism and creating economic growth In Alabama. We are really looking forward to welcoming their employees and to moving forward together.”

Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, said the tribe has already been heavily involved in the Birmingham area, supporting organizations like the Birmingham Promise, Birmingham Zoo and many others.

According to the company, Bryan said Wind Creek will make this facility a major economic force for the area in creating more jobs, taxes and support for the local community.

“Birmingham is one of the most vibrant cities in America, and we feel very fortunate that this acquisition will allow us to increase the investment and deepen the relationships that we already have in Birmingham,” she said. “When it comes to attracting tourism, this is an incredibly important area of the state. We are committed to building on the success of both the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino and our Wind Creek brand by ensuring that this property will keep tourist dollars here at home and provide jobs that support Alabama families.”

Bryan added, “As the leader of our Tribe, I am deeply grateful to the expertise and leadership of Arthur Mothershed, a Member of our Tribal Council and Wind Creek’s VP of Business Development, in representing the interests of our Tribe and our gaming business in this important acquisition and new venture.”

Grayson Everett is the state and political editor for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270