The Poarch Band of Creek Indians announced Nov. 18 that its Wind Creek Hospitality brand will acquire the Birmingham Racecourse in northeast Jefferson County.
The property is currently owned by the family of the late Milton McGregor and they participated in the announcement. The McGregors will still own Victoryland in Macon County.
According to the announcement, Wind Creek will “transform” the property into “a premier entertainment destination in the Southeast and will continue to offer parimutuel and historical horse racing games currently in operation and the facility.”
The acquisition will give PCI ownership of four gambling facilities statewide, with the others being on each of their tribal lands in Wetumpka, Montgomery and Atmore. The tribe also owns several hotel and casino properties in other states.
Stephanie Bryan, PCI’s tribal chair and CEO, said the tribe wants to build up the Birmingham location to be a major tourist attraction.
Crackdown on gambling
Non-Indian gambling facilities have faced multiple series of crackdowns over the years as the state has endeavored to enforce existing laws banning the use of slot machines. That has led to several state enforcement actions at these locations, as well as owners routinely changing their machines.
Lewis Benefield, McGregor’s son-in-law who manages both McGregor properties, acknowledged the challenge that posed to the Birmingham location.
“Unfortunately, differing state laws and enforcement actions regarding gaming have limited our ability to compete effectively,” Benefield said. “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.”
In last spring’s legislative session, gambling dominated much of the discussion as lawmakers debated a comprehensive plan that would have expanded and regulated casinos in the state, while also legalizing sports betting and instituting a state lottery. The plan passed the House overwhelmingly, but failed in the Senate, partly due to opposition from PCI. Lawmakers have demurred when asked if gambling could be an issue in the next legislative session, which begins Feb. 4.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This story was written by Todd Stacy and originally published by Alabama Daily News. It is reprinted with permission.
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