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Wind Creek Hospitality Buying Birmingham Racecourse and Casino in Alabama

Wind Creek Hospitality has agreed with the owners of the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino in Alabama to acquire the gaming facility.

Wind Creek Hospitality Alabama Birmingham Racecourse
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians’ Wind Creek Hospitality is acquiring the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino. The casino offers slot-like historical racing machines. (Image: Wind Creek Hospitality)

Live greyhound racing ceased at the Birmingham Racecourse in March 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Though greyhound racing remains legal in Alabama, the Birmingham track was the last facility to offer live racing.

Wind Creek, a fully owned subsidiary of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, one of the fastest-growing federally recognized tribes in the United States, is purchasing the Birmingham Racecourse and Casino from the McGregor family. The family has controlled the track and gaming venue since Milton McGregor bought it out of bankruptcy in 1992.

Since the pandemic, the racecourse has focused on its gaming operations, which include simulcast parimutuel wagering on horses and greyhounds and historical horse racing (HHR) machines. The Birmingham Racecourse Casino features about 300 slot-like gaming terminals.

We are excited to bring the Birmingham Racecourse into the Wind Creek family,” said Jay Dorris, president and CEO of Wind Creek Hospitality. “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.”

The Birmingham Racecourse and Casino sale to Wind Creek is expected to close in early 2025. No sale price was disclosed.

One of the most charitable tribes in the nation, the Poarch Indians already support numerous organizations in the Birmingham region such as the Birmingham Zoo and Birmingham Promise, the latter being a college scholarship initiative. 

Wind Creek Birmingham? 

Wind Creek Hospitality owns and operates three Class I and II tribal casinos in Alabama featuring bingo-based electronic gaming machines. The company runs Wind Creek Atmore, Wind Creek Montgomery, and Wind Creek Wetumpka.

Because the Poarch Indians do not have historical ties to the Birmingham area, and therefore will not apply to have the racecourse property deemed as sovereign land, Wind Creek will continue to run the casino as a parimutuel wagering facility. With horse and greyhound racing continuing to be dying sports across the country, Wind Creek’s interest in Birmingham is presumably because of the casino’s HHR games, slot-like terminals that determine bet outcomes based on previously run horse races.

Wind Creek Hospitality did not respond to Casino.org’s inquiry into whether the company will rebrand the Birmingham facility to Wind Creek Birmingham. It’s also unclear if the tribe will invest in an on-site hotel and other resort amenities.

Wind Creek remains bullish on the U.S. gaming industry. Along with ongoing investments at Wind Creek Bethlehem, its full-scale, Las Vegas-like casino in Pennsylvania, the tribal company will soon open Wind Creek Chicago Southland in Illinois.

Located in the Chicago suburbs, the Southland casino has a 70K-square-foot casino with 1,400 slot machines, 56 table games, a poker room, and a sportsbook. The resort has 252 hotel rooms, a 75K-square-foot entertainment venue, 12K square feet of event space, and several restaurants and bars.

Victoryland Focus 

HHR gaming became the name of the game at controversial casinos in Alabama after the state’s Supreme Court in September 2022 ruled that grey electronic bingo machines at venues in Macon and Lowndes counties constituted illegal gambling despite voters approving them through local referendums. The ruling forced Victoryland, White Hall Entertainment, and Southern Star Entertainment to cease operating electronic bingo machines.

Victoryland remains owned by the McGregor family. Because the casino facility in Shorter possesses a parimutuel license, the gaming venue is allowed to incorporate HHR devices and therefore remains open, unlike the two other entertainment centers.

Lewis Benefield, the president of the Birmingham Racecourse Casino and Victoryland, said Alabama’s restrictive and opaque gaming laws led to the McGregors divesting one of its two major holdings.

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,” Benefield said. 

“The McGregor family will now focus their efforts on Victoryland and advocate for unified gaming legislation in Alabama which would capture much-needed revenue for the people of Alabama,” Benefield concluded.

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Illinois Township Supervisor Admits Using Government Funds at Casino, Won’t Resign

A township supervisor in Illinois is refusing to resign from her position despite admitting to using government money at a casino.

Illinois township casino Horseshoe St. Louis
Canteen Township Supervisor Sally Rodriguez has admitted to using government money for her personal use. Despite the admissions, the Illinois township supervisor is refusing to resign. (Image: Casino.org)

During the Canteen Township Board of Trustees’ September 4 meeting, Township Supervisor Sally Rodriguez admitted to using the town’s debit card for her personal use. But Rodriguez, who was appointed to her position in May of 2023 by the trustees, claims the debit withdrawals on the government card were made by mistake.

Trustees say an anonymous source tipped them off that Rodriguez didn’t only poach money from the township via debit card, but also wrote herself checks from the township’s bank account that she cashed. Banking records show six transactions were completed at the Horseshoe Casino St. Louis that’s operated by Caesars Entertainment.

Rodriguez confessed to withdrawing $6,000 in cash at the casino. She also cashed two checks made out to herself from the township checking account, and a third directly made out to cash.

Canteen Township is located in St. Clair County in southwestern Illinois along the Mississippi River. The township includes Caseyville, Fairmont City, Fairview Heights, Madison, and Washington Park. Horseshoe Casino St. Louis is just across the river from the township.

The Belleville News-Democrat first broke the news of Rodriguez’s actions.

Resignation Refusal

During the September meeting, Canteen Township Trustee Rickie Thomas, in a motion seconded by Trustee Angie Rodgers, called on Rodriguez to resign immediately. She refused.

Rodriguez contends that the financial transactions to her benefit were made in error. Thomas said one errant transaction might be understandable, but not five.

I asked her how do you make the same mistake five times and how does your personal card have the same PIN as the township’s?” Thomas asked, as reported by the Belleville News-Democrat.

The township’s attorney told the media outlet that the trustees cannot forcibly remove an elected official, even though Rodriguez was appointed — not elected — to the role following the death of Supervisor Norm Miller in April 2023.

It’s unclear if Rodriguez has agreed to repay the township the money she took from its banking accounts. It’s also unknown if Rodriguez gambled with the ill-gotten funds.

The board was tipped off to her actions after two trustees and the township clerk received packages in the mail detailing her alleged theft.

According to the US Census Bureau, the median household income in Canteen Township is $41,530. The employment rate is below 50% and almost four in 10 people live in poverty.

Illinois Politics 

Considered a Democratic stronghold and one of the party’s “big three” states along with California and New York, politics in Illinois has long been doused in scandal. Dating back to before the Chicago Outfit ran the Windy City, political corruption in Illinois is nearly as famous as Chicago’s deep-dish pizza.

Among the state’s most notorious political scandals was Gov. Rod Blagojevich fielding bribes in exchange for the state’s Senate seat left vacant by Barack Obama after he won the presidency in 2008.

More recently, and certainly less consequential, is Dolton Mayor Tiffany Henyard, the self-described “supermayor” who’s accused of living lavishly off her taxpayers. Last year, Henyard allegedly ran up a tab of more than $10K for a Las Vegas visit that taxpayers covered.

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Crooked L.A. Pol’s Aide Avoids Prison in ‘Casino Loyale’ Corruption Case

The former aide to disgraced ex-Los Angeles city councilman Jose Huizar dodged a prison sentence Friday despite being a point man in his boss’ corruption racket and initially lying to the FBI when the scheme unraveled.

George Esparza, Jose Huizar, Casino Loyale, Shenzhen New World, Wei Huang
Jose Huizar, above, was sentenced to 13 years in prison in January for tax evasion and racketeering after pleading guilty to extorting bribes from property developers. His aide, George Esparza, avoided prison after cooperating extensively with the FBI. (Image: NBC Los Angeles)

In 2020, George Esparza pleaded guilty to a single count of conspiring to violate federal anti-racketeering law. He was a major cog in the complex $1.5 million graft scheme that bought Huizar 13 years in prison in January for tax evasion and racketeering.

The investigation was codenamed “Casino Loyale” by the FBI.

On Friday, U.S. Dist. Judge John Walter sentenced Esparza to 12 months of home detention and 300 hours of community service for conspiring to violate federal anti-racketeering law. He must also pay restitution of $130,459 to the city of Los Angeles.

‘Extraordinary’ Cooperation

Walter went easy on Esparaza because of the defendant’s extensive cooperation with federal authorities, which the judge described as “nothing short of extraordinary,” as reported by The LA Times.

“In my 20 years as a district court judge … I have not seen a defendant who has provided such extensive and helpful cooperation to the government,” Walter said.

Huizar operated a sprawling pay-to-play scheme at City Hall that involved extorting at least $1.5 million in kickbacks from property developers.

As chairman of the Los Angeles Planning and Land Use Management Committee, Huizar had the power of life and death over major construction projects in the city.

When Chinese developer and owner of downtown’s LA Grand Hotel, Shenzhen World, wanted to embellish the property with a 77-floor mixed skyscraper, Huizar demanded inducements.

From 2013 to 2018, Shenzhen World chairman Wei Huang showered Huizar with “cash, casino gambling chips, flights on private jets and commercial airlines, stays at luxury Las Vegas hotels and casinos, expensive meals, spa services, prostitution services, [and] political contributions,” according to court documents.

Politically Exposed

Esparza was a frontman for Huizar, relaying demands for bribes using coded language. He accompanied his boss on numerous trips to Las Vegas with Wei and shared the perks.

Huizar and Wei made eight trips to Las Vegas casinos together from 2014 to 2016, some of which also involved Esparza, according to prosecutors.

The FBI was alerted to this arrangement by staff at the Palazzo Las Vegas who recognized Huizar as a prominent politician and therefore a “politically exposed person” (PEP).

Anti-money laundering directives urge casinos to pay close attention to PEPs because they present greater risk of involvement in bribery or corruption and therefore money laundering.

Billionaire Wei was not present at Shenzhen World’s 2022 bribery trial and is considered a fugitive by the U.S. government.

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France’s Proposed Online Casino Legalization Sparks Controversy and Delays

Plans-to-legalise-online-casinos-in-France-met-with-opposition-Postpones-budget-amendment-on-iCasino-lawsThe French government’s initiative to legalize online casinos has encountered significant pushback from various stakeholders, causing officials to halt their proposed amendment to the 2025 budget. This amendment, originally submitted by Prime Minister Michel Barnier’s administration, aimed to bring France’s gambling laws in line with other European Union (EU) countries. However, the intense opposition from addiction experts and land-based casino representatives led Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin to announce a postponement on Sunday, signaling the need for further consultations to address concerns.

Economic and Health Arguments for Legalization

Proponents of online casino legalization argue that the current prohibition places France at odds with EU standards, as it remains one of only two EU countries, alongside Cyprus, to ban online casino gambling. Despite this, France already allows online betting and poker, with poker being categorized as a skill-based game and thus exempt from the ban on games of chance.

Advocates of the proposed legislation believe that regulating online casinos would enable the government to generate substantial tax revenue and better manage public health risks by overseeing the sector. Government estimates suggest that legalizing online casinos could yield up to €1 billion in taxes annually, with a projected gross gaming revenue (GGR) tax of 55.6%, aligning with the rate applied to online lottery games.

The illegal online casino market in France is reportedly thriving, with the government estimating annual revenues from unregulated operations reaching as much as €1.5 billion. By bringing these activities into a legal framework, officials argue, they could address health concerns more effectively. The government stated that regulated online casinos could “limit the impact of online games on the health of consumers” and reduce the appeal of unlicensed operators.

Strong Opposition from Addiction Specialists and Casino Industry

Despite these proposed benefits, the plan has faced substantial resistance from those concerned about public health and the livelihood of France’s physical casinos. Féderation Addiction, a coalition of addiction specialists, warned against the amendment, labeling it “irresponsible and contrary to public health priorities.” Citing statistics from 2019, the organization highlighted that 1.4 million people in France were already at risk of excessive gambling, with nearly 400,000 dealing with severe gambling addiction. They cautioned that legalizing online casinos could exacerbate these issues, with more individuals potentially developing problematic gambling behaviors.

France’s land-based casino industry also voiced strong concerns, citing potential economic damage. The president of Casinos de France, Grégory Rabuel, expressed alarm over the projected consequences for physical casino venues. In a statement, Rabuel noted that “opening up online casinos will lead to a fall in gross gaming revenue for land-based casinos of between 20% and 30%.” He also warned that up to 30% of establishments could face closure, threatening around 15,000 jobs. This sentiment was echoed by over 130 French mayors in an editorial published in Le Figaro, where they argued that legalizing online casinos would ultimately harm the industry rather than boost the state’s finances, describing the proposal as “opening a Pandora’s box.”

Postponement and Future Considerations

In response to these concerns, Minister Saint-Martin confirmed that the amendment to legalize online casinos would be removed from the 2025 budget proposal, stating, “We need to work among ourselves first.” He emphasized the government’s commitment to considering all parties involved, especially land-based casinos. This delay maintains the current regulatory framework established in 2010, which allows for sports betting, horseracing, and poker but excludes online casinos.

However, the government has not entirely abandoned the idea. Saint-Martin indicated that future discussions may revisit online casino legalization, with potential legislative measures addressing tax generation, protections for physical casinos, and public health safeguards. Casino representatives, for their part, remain cautious but are prepared to engage in constructive discussions. Rabuel expressed relief over the postponement and emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach: “We remain vigilant to ensure that any future legislative or regulatory changes take place within a framework of consultation and constructive dialogue.”

As the debate continues, the French government’s approach will likely focus on balancing economic incentives with the need to protect public health and safeguard the interests of the country’s established casino sector. The final decision, expected after thorough consultations, will determine whether France joins the majority of EU countries in permitting online casinos or continues to uphold one of the EU’s most restrictive gambling regulations.

Sources:

“Plans to legalise online casinos in France met with opposition“, rfi.fr, October 23, 2024.

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Casino Crime News Roundup: Ailing Woman Refused Entry to Casino

A sick woman who didn’t bring her service dog with her into Nevada’s Nugget Casino Resort reportedly was ordered to leave the gaming property.

Nevada’s Nugget Casino Resort
Nevada’s Nugget Casino Resort, pictured above. A woman was ordered to leave the property after she didn’t come with a service dog. (Image: Travel Nevada)

Heather Vanus, who reportedly suffers from epilepsy, recently tried to visit the casino where she typically goes many times each week. But, about two weeks ago, the Reno resident didn’t have her medical assistance dog, Cherry, at her side. Cherry had to stay home because the dog had just gotten neutered.

So, Vanus went to the casino with her fiancé.

When a security guard saw Cherry wasn’t there, he gave Vanus an ultimatum.

They said you can either remove yourself, or you can leave in cuffs,” Vanus recalled to Nevada TV station KOLO. “After it happened, my fiancé looked at me and asked if that really just happened.”

“Security told me that if she [Cherry] stayed at home, then I should have stayed at home with her,” Vanus said.

She also explained to KOLO she’s been a regular at the Nugget Casino for three years.

“They know who we are. When we come in, they automatically bring me water for my dog,” Vanus said about the staff at the casino.

Cherry knows how to alert the woman if a seizure is on the way.

The Nugget Casino declined to comment on the incident to KOLO, but the casino said in a statement it “is fully committed to complying with all ADA requirements, and we welcome all guests with disabilities who use service animals … we remain dedicated to offering an inclusive environment for all our guests.”

Four Suspects Charged After Raid

An October 17 search of an alleged gambling operation in East Oakland, Calif. led to four arrests and police seizing money and gaming devices.

An unspecified number of gambling machines, cash, three firearms, ammo, and suspected illegal drugs were seized during the raid, according to CBS News. Police also seized several vehicles that had been reported stolen.

Police obtained a search warrant for the property after being alerted about suspicious activity at the site.

Four suspects inside the structure were arrested but were not identified.

“The department and City of Oakland will seek criminal and civil accountability for those involved in this illegal and dangerous operation, which has contributed to blight in the neighborhood,” the Oakland Police Department said in a recent statement about the raid.

Cheating Alleged at Casino

A Warwick, RI man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly cheated while gambling at a Lincoln gaming property.

Michael J. Budz, 32, was charged with casino cheating, according to the Newport Dispatch.

Budz allegedly improperly made a bet with knowledge of the outcome, according to Rhode Island State Police. He was released and will appear in court at a later date.

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