Wind Creek Hospitality to Acquire Historic Birmingham Racecourse and Casino

Wind Creek Hospitality to Acquire Historic Birmingham Racecourse and Casino

By Michael Thompson

November 21, 2024 at 05:16 AM

Wind Creek Hospitality is acquiring the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino from the McGregor family, with the deal expected to close in early 2025. The purchase price remains undisclosed.

Wind Creek Casino building exterior view

Wind Creek Casino building exterior view

The facility, which ended live greyhound racing in March 2020, currently operates about 300 historical horse racing (HHR) machines and offers simulcast parimutuel wagering. As Alabama's last greyhound racing venue, it has shifted focus to gaming operations since the pandemic.

Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, already operates three tribal casinos in Alabama. The company plans to maintain the Birmingham facility as a parimutuel wagering venue since they cannot convert it to tribal land.

Jay Dorris, Wind Creek Hospitality's president and CEO, emphasized shared goals with the McGregor family, including entertainment enhancement, tourism growth, and economic development in Alabama.

The McGregor family, who has owned the facility since 1992, will now concentrate on their Victoryland property and advocate for unified gaming legislation in Alabama. Lewis Benefield, president of both facilities, cited Alabama's restrictive gaming laws as a factor in their decision to sell.

Wind Creek continues to expand its gaming presence, with the upcoming Wind Creek Chicago Southland casino in Illinois featuring 1,400 slot machines, 56 table games, a poker room, and various amenities.

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