It’s fascinating—like a story with a few loose ends weaving through time—how the Birmingham Race Course Casino has shifted from its groovy racing roots into a simulcasting and gaming hub, and now into a crossroads of ambition and transformation. Nestled off John Rogers Drive in Birmingham, Alabama, it’s been many things: a pioneering thoroughbred track of the late 1980s, a dog racing venue in the early ’90s, and now a casino with historical racing machines and simulcast wagering. What’s next feels both hopeful and uncertain, and that tension makes the story compelling.
Let’s dive into how the venue got here, where it stands today, and where it might be headed—balancing data, local sentiment, tribal enterprise, and a splash of unpredictability.
The Birmingham Race Course opened in 1987 as the Deep South’s first modern thoroughbred facility—a bold gamble that succumbed to financial woes almost immediately . Acquired by Milton McGregor in 1990, the track became unique for blending thoroughbred and greyhound racing under one roof . However, live horse racing wrapped in 1995, and greyhound racing ended by March 2020, leaving simulcasts and historical horse racing machines—HHRMs—at the core of operations .
These HHR machines—gaming terminals that replay recordings of past horse races—became a creative workaround in Alabama’s tricky betting laws. They’re legal under the pari-mutuel wagering framework, with the state attorney general’s office weighing in on their legality back in the 2000s . The machines turned into the lifeline for venues like Birmingham Race Course and VictoryLand, offering a slot-like experience grounded in racing tradition.
In November 2024, Wind Creek Hospitality—the gaming and hotel division of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians—announced an agreement to acquire the Birmingham Race Course Casino from the McGregor family. The deal is expected to close by early 2025 . The McGregor family cited legislative hurdles and inconsistent gaming laws as major constraints and said they’d refocus energy on VictoryLand, while advocating for broader gaming reform in the state .
Wind Creek brings extensive experience from other Alabama markets—Atmore, Montgomery, Wetumpka—and beyond, including properties in Pennsylvania, Illinois, and the Caribbean . Statements from their leadership promise a transformation into a “premier entertainment destination in the Southeast” that will honor the existing gaming offerings while exploring opportunities to boost jobs, tourism, and local growth :
“We are excited to bring the Birmingham Race Course into the Wind Creek family,” said Jay Dorris, president and CEO. “We share many of the same goals—providing great entertainment, attracting tourism, and creating economic growth in Alabama.”
Mayor Randall Woodfin echoed that sentiment, viewing the acquisition as a symbol of Birmingham’s evolving entertainment landscape .
Locals aren’t shy about their opinions. Some describe the current venue as dated and unwelcoming—“depressing,” even—with frustrated users criticizing tight security, dress-code policing, and a stale atmosphere . Others express hope that Wind Creek’s involvement signals growth—maybe even the addition of table games or sports betting .
Another Reddit thread mused that the race course exists within a legal gray zone thanks to clever loopholes—slot-like betting on past races that primarily chase the racing clause in wagering laws . That kind of commentary speaks to the complex but pragmatic ways businesses adapt to regulations.
Even with new ownership, expanding into broader gaming categories like full-scale slots or sports books isn’t guaranteed—Alabama’s legislature must still come through with updated laws. Senator Greg Albritton stressed that Wind Creek cannot simply shift the property into sovereign land for broader gaming permissions .
Previous attempts to pass statewide gaming legislation—including full casinos and lottery—fell short by a single vote in the Senate, highlighting how delicate the political moment is .
Wind Creek stands out for its track record—not just as a gaming operator but as a community partner, with philanthropic ties such as support for Birmingham Zoo and educational initiatives like Birmingham Promise . Their acquisition offers more than dollars—it offers institutional credibility and permanence, if leveraged wisely.
The Birmingham Race Course Casino is standing on a threshold: rooted in racing nostalgia, sustained by gaming ingenuity, and poised—under new ownership—for reinvention. Wind Creek Hospitality brings both the vision and capacity to elevate the venue, potentially transforming it into a vibrant regional entertainment hub. But success hinges on legal shifts, community trust, and vision executed in bricks and mortar, not just press statements. The next few years will reveal whether the race is toward reinvention—or a repeat of deferred promise.
The venue operates historical horse racing machines—slot-like terminals replaying past races—as well as simulcast wagering on horse and greyhound races from other tracks. Live racing ceased years ago.
In early 2025, Wind Creek Hospitality—an arm of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians—completed its acquisition from the McGregor family following a 2024 agreement.
That depends on Alabama passing expanded gambling legislation. For now, operations remain as parimutuel and HHRM-based gaming. Legal updates are needed for further expansion.
New ownership has pledged to invest in jobs, tourism, and infrastructure. The city expects renewed vibrancy and economic stimulus, especially if entertainment offerings grow.
HHRMs operate under pari-mutuel wagering laws, making them legally viable in Alabama where regular slot machines are restricted. The machines circumvent bans by using past race data as the gameplay basis.
Opinions are mixed—some describe the venue as outdated and poorly maintained, while others view the new Wind Creek ownership as a chance for revitalization and long-overdue upgrades.
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