Wind Creek Hospitality set to acquire Birmingham Racecourse and Casino
The gaming company stated that it plans to expand upon the investments made in recent years at the Birmingham Racecourse.
Key Points
- The sale is expected to be finalized by early 2025, which will result in the transformation of the Racecourse into an entertainment destination
- Wind Creek Hospitality will continue to offer parimutuel and HHR games currently in operation at the facility
Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has entered into an agreement with the McGregor family to acquire the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino in Alabama.
While the McGregor family has been said to consistently seek enhancement to the gaming and entertainment options at the facility, legislative hurdles have presented challenges.
“The people of Birmingham desire the same types of entertainment offered at other facilities in and around Alabama,” Birmingham Racecourse President Lewis 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.”
The sale of the Racecourse is expected to be finalized in early 2025, as Wind Creek Hospitality is set to transform the property into an entertainment destination. Wind Creek will continue to offer parimutuel and historical horseracing (HHR) games currently in operation at the facility.
“We are excited to bring the Birmingham Racecourse into the Wind Creek family. The McGregor family built and has operated the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino for decades,” Wind Creek President and CEO Jay Dorris said.
“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.”
Good to know: Wind Creek Chicago Southland opened to the public on November 11, marking the first phase of a full-scale casino resort experience that will be completed in the spring of 2025
Wind Creek also stated that it plans to expand upon the investments made at Birmingham Racecourse in recent years while working closely with local elected and racing officials on steps moving forward once the sale is finalized and expansion plans are developed.
Stephanie Bryan, CEO and Tribal Chair of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, discussed how the Tribe had been familiar with the Birmingham area prior to the agreement, having said, “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.
“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.“
The purchase of Birmingham Racecourse and Casino marks the fourth racetrack acquisition made by Wind Creek Hospitality.
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