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US Creek Indians to purchase racecourse in Alabama

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BIRMINGHAM, Alabama: The Poarch Band of Creek Indians, which operates casinos in multiple states, is acquiring the Birmingham Racecourse.

The McGregor family, which owns both the Birmingham Racecourse and VictoryLand, a former dog racing track in Macon County, announced the purchase agreement this week.

Wind Creek Hospitality, owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, is set to acquire the Birmingham Racecourse. The sale is expected to close by early 2025. Neither party disclosed the purchase price.

Situated in Alabama’s largest metropolitan area, the Birmingham Racecourse was once a hub for live horse and dog racing. Wind Creek Hospitality announced plans to transform the site into a premier entertainment destination while maintaining the parimutuel and historical horse racing games currently offered.

Alabama law prohibits full-scale casinos with table games and slot machines. The Poarch Band operates three casinos in the state featuring electronic bingo machines, which closely resemble slot machines. The state has previously sought to shut down similar gaming operations on non-tribal lands.

Efforts to legalize a limited number of casinos in Alabama have repeatedly failed, though the issue could resurface during the 2025 legislative session.

“The people of Birmingham desire the same types of entertainment offered at other facilities in and around Alabama,” Lewis Benefield, president of the Birmingham Racecourse and VictoryLand, said in a statement. “Unfortunately, differing state laws and enforcement actions regarding gaming have limited our ability to compete effectively.”

He said the McGregor family will now focus their efforts on VictoryLand in Macon County and continue to “advocate for unified gaming legislation in Alabama, which would capture much-needed revenue for the people of Alabama.”

“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,” Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians said in a statement about the purchase.

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