Wind Creek Hospitality acquires Birmingham Racecourse in major gaming expansion

Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has announced a landmark agreement to acquire the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino from the McGregor family. This acquisition marks a significant milestone in Alabama’s gaming and entertainment landscape, with the sale expected to be finalised by early 2025.

The Birmingham Racecourse, a longstanding parimutuel and gaming facility, is set to be transformed into a premier entertainment destination for the Southeastern United States under Wind Creek’s stewardship. While maintaining its current operations, including historical horse racing games, Wind Creek plans to elevate the property with substantial investment and innovative upgrades.

Strategic alignment in entertainment and economic growth

Wind Creek’s President and CEO, Jay Dorris, highlighted shared values between the two organisations, emphasising their commitment to enhancing entertainment offerings and driving economic development. Dorris noted that the acquisition aligns with Wind Creek’s broader goals of tourism attraction and job creation in Alabama.

Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, echoed these sentiments. She underscored the tribe’s existing ties to Birmingham through support for local initiatives like the Birmingham Promise and Birmingham Zoo. Bryan stated that the acquisition would bolster Birmingham’s economy by creating more jobs and keeping tourist revenue within the state.

“Birmingham is one of the most vibrant cities in America,” Bryan said, adding that this move would deepen the tribe’s relationships in the region and position the facility as a cornerstone of Alabama’s tourism economy.

McGregor family refocuses on legislative advocacy

The McGregor family, which has owned and operated the Birmingham Racecourse for decades, plans to channel its efforts toward the VictoryLand Casino in Macon County. Speaking on the challenges faced by the Birmingham Racecourse, Lewis Benefield, President of both Birmingham Racecourse and VictoryLand, cited legislative inconsistencies as a barrier to growth.

“Differing state laws and enforcement actions regarding gaming have limited our ability to compete effectively,” Benefield remarked. He advocated for unified gaming legislation to unlock Alabama’s potential to generate significant revenue for the state and its residents.

Wind Creek’s growing footprint

Wind Creek Hospitality has gained national recognition as one of the fastest-growing gaming companies. Recent expansions, such as the Wind Creek Chicago Southland casino in Illinois, demonstrate the brand’s forward-thinking approach to integrated resort experiences. Scheduled for completion in spring 2025, the Chicago Southland project will feature a state-of-the-art casino with over 1,400 slot machines, 56 table games, and bespoke entertainment spaces, creating more than 1,000 full-time jobs.

The Birmingham acquisition represents another strategic step in Wind Creek’s mission to redefine leisure and hospitality in the region. With plans to work closely with local officials, the company aims to ensure that the redevelopment not only meets but exceeds community expectations.

As Wind Creek moves toward finalising the purchase and embarking on its transformative plans, the partnership promises to solidify Birmingham’s position as a hub for tourism and economic opportunity in Alabama.