One of Alabama’s oldest gambling venues has come under the control of Wind Creek Hospitality, a company affiliated with the Poarch Creek Indians. The deal involves the racetrack casino in Birmingham, which had been operated for decades by the McGregor family. The new owners don’t just plan to preserve the location — they intend to turn it into a flagship entertainment hub for the Southeastern United States. Discussions began last fall, and the deal is now officially complete.
Representatives of Wind Creek have already confirmed that horse racing and historical racing machines will remain in place. But that’s where the similarities with the past end. The company plans to invest heavily in upgrading the venue, study visitor interests, and introduce new forms of entertainment. According to management, the project will create jobs for the city, increase foot traffic, and attract new investors. Birmingham officials have called the deal a step toward turning the city into a center for entertainment and sports.
Despite its ambitions, the new owner faces legal limitations. Alabama law prohibits slot machines and full-scale casinos. The only exceptions are three locations already operated by the Poarch Creek Indians — and Birmingham is not among them. Even after purchasing the racetrack, the company cannot simply launch a full casino. That would require statewide approval, which has not yet been granted.
Still, despite strict legal restrictions, Alabama residents are far from lacking in gambling options. Most turn to the internet, where numerous online casinos are readily available. The iGaming industry is growing not only in the U.S., but also in neighboring countries — for example, Canada, where dozens of new online casinos launch every year. To get a clearer picture, we explored link casinosbonusca.com, which outlines bonuses offered by Canadian online casinos. Many of these platforms are relatively new. Interestingly, several of the top Canadian brands are also popular among American gambling enthusiasts.
The arrival of a new player in the market could reignite long-stalled talks about gambling legalization. Senator Greg Albritton has already reminded the public that without legislative action, expansion isn’t an option. His proposals have been stalled since 2015. Interest in the issue is being fueled not only by investors but also by public figures. Recently, Alabama native and former NBA star Charles Barkley expressed his desire to become a co-owner of a casino in his home state. For now, it’s just a dream — but it’s definitely sparked new discussion.
