Key points:
- Venue will continue to offer parimutuel and historical horseracing games
- Owners of Birmingham Racecourse and Casino will concentrate efforts on VictoryLand Casino
Wind Creek Hospitality is set to finalise the acquisition of the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino by early 2025.
The venue is located in the US state of Alabama and Wind Creek, which is owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, will continue to offer parimutuel and historical horseracing games that are already in operation.
Wind Creek will work with local elected and racing officials on the next steps for the racecourse when it comes to expansion plans, continuing the investments it has made there in recent years.
The McGregor family who currently own the Birmingham Racecourse say they have been limited in their ability to remain competitive related to gaming legislation, so will instead concentrate their efforts on VictoryLand Casino.
Birmingham Racecourse and VictoryLand President Lewis Benefield said: "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 President and CEO said Jay Dorris added: "We are excited to bring the Birmingham Racecourse into the Wind Creek family.
Good to know: There are no commercial casinos in Alabama
"The McGregor family built and has operated the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino 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."
Poarch Band of Creek Indians Tribal Chair and CEO Stephanie Bryan commented: "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.
"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."
In other news from the US, MGM Resorts International has signed a Whole Portfolio Agreement (WPA) with technology company Cisco.
