Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, has entered into an agreement with the McGregor family to acquire Birmingham Racecourse and Casino. The sale is expected to be finalized in early 2025.
The McGregor family has owned the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino and Victoryland Casino for decades. The family will retain Victoryland Casino.
“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.
Benefield added that legislative hurdles have presented challenges. “The people of Birmingham desire the same types of entertainment offered at other facilities in and around Alabama. 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.”
Wind Creek Hospitality, based in Atmore, has been significantly expanding outside the state. It plans to work with local elected and racing 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 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 already has been involved in the Birmingham area, supporting several organizations, and the acquisition will allow that to continue.
“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 said.
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. Wind Creek Hospitality manages the tribe’s gaming facilities including those in Atmore, Montgomery and Wetumpka, as well as in Aruba, Bethlehem, Chicago, Curacao and Florida.
