The future of casinos in Alabama now lies in "The Magic City."
Birmingham's historic racecourse casino is entering a new chapter under the ownership of Wind Creek Hospitality, a subsidiary of the Poarch Creek Indians.
After months of anticipation following the initial announcement in November, the acquisition from the McGregor family has now been completed.
Wind Creek, renowned for its gaming and hotel ventures across Alabama, including locations in Atmore, Montgomery, and Wetumpka, is expected to bring a fresh vision and energy to the racetrack.
The next step is for the Poarch Creek Indians to complete the transfer of operations. They also plan to survey the area to better understand customer preferences and finalize plans for expanding the facilities and operations in the future.
New Look Coming To Old Alabama Casino
Wind Creek aims to transform this iconic venue into a premier entertainment destination in the Southeast. This strategic move is not just about entertainment; it’s also focused on driving economic growth.
"Our vision is to build upon the strong foundation that is already in place while enhancing the facility to create a first-class entertainment destination that benefits the Birmingham community and the region," said Jay Dorris, President and CEO of PCI Gaming Authority.
He emphasized the positive ripple effect this development could have, drawing in more traffic and boosting the local economy. The project promises to create jobs and provide long-term benefits to Birmingham and its surrounding areas.
McGregor Family Shifting Focus To Other Property
The McGregor family, former owners of the Birmingham Race Course, is now shifting its focus to Victoryland in Macon County.
They advocate for unified gaming legislation in Alabama, which could secure significant revenue for the state. Lewis Benefield, president of the Birmingham Race Course, spoke about the limitations imposed by varying state gaming laws and enforcement actions, which have impacted their competitive edge.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin views the transition positively. He highlighted the city's growing reputation as a vibrant hub for entertainment and sporting events, calling this investment a testament to Birmingham's potential.
Race Course To Remain
The good news for fans of the racecourse is that the tradition remains intact. Dorris assures that patrons will continue to enjoy the parimutuel and historical horse racing games they love.
Wind Creek leaders are committed to working closely with local officials to expand the facility thoughtfully. As they settle in, they'll explore new amenities and projects to enhance the visitor experience.
PCI Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie Bryan emphasized the Tribe’s dedication to investing in the Birmingham community. “As a Tribal people, we are committed to being good neighbors and to being a force for economic growth and positive change,” she said.
Alabama Casino Purchase May Reignite Legalization Debate
It remains to be seen if the new ownership of the Birmingham Racecourse Casino will spark new discussions about the potential for legal gambling at the site.
Currently, state law bans gambling devices, which generally prevents casinos from operating. However, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama, is legally allowed to operate three casinos in the state. Alabama recognizes eight other tribes, but they cannot operate casinos because they lack the same federal recognition.
Back in November, Alabama Senator Greg Albritton clarified that the sale doesn't automatically allow the Poarch Creek Indians to expand the race course into a full casino like those in Wetumpka, Montgomery, and Atmore. "The thought is that with this purchase, PCI can go forward and do everything that they’re doing… That is not the case," he said.
Senator Albritton, who previously introduced a comprehensive gambling plan, stated that for any changes to occur, the state legislature must pass a detailed gambling plan. He noted that this issue has been stalled since 2015. "While this may remove an obstacle, it doesn’t solve the problems or bring new solutions to the table," he explained.
The conversation restarted earlier this week when Alabama native and NBA superstar Charles Barkley said he would love to be part-owner of an Alabama casino one day.
Overall, the collaboration between Wind Creek Hospitality and Birmingham signifies an exciting growth phase, promising to elevate the city's status as a leading entertainment destination in the Yellowhammer State.
