The owner of Victoryland Casino in Shorter, Alabama is hopeful that lawmakers will legalize full-scale casinos in the state. Dr. Lewis Benefield, president and CEO of Victoryland Casino and the Birmingham Race Course, is looking to revive live greyhound racing and fully reopen Victoryland to record numbers. However, this resurrection is unlikely to happen unless new legislation allowing for full-scale casinos is approved. In the meantime, Benefield is relying on the similarity of historical horse racing machines to slots to keep his businesses afloat.
Historical horse racing machines are a key revenue source for Victoryland Casino and the Birmingham Race Course. These machines operate similarly to slots, allowing players to simply insert money and hit play for a quick bet. However, there is also a slower method available for players who prefer the strategic aspect of handicapping races based on prior performance. To prevent players from researching results, the horses are identified by numbers rather than names. While this combination of features could be successful, the legality of historical horse racing machines remains questionable.
Benefield is confident in the legality of historical horse racing machines based on prior legal opinions issued by Alabama attorneys general and the approval of racing commissions in Jefferson and Macon counties. He believes that law enforcement is aware of his operations and has never been questioned about compliance with the law. Attorney General Steve Marshall has also indicated that if the machines are compliant with previous opinions, they are likely legal.
There was a recent push in the Alabama legislature to approve full-scale casinos in the state, which could have provided a significant boost to Victoryland and other greyhound racing tracks. The Alabama House of Representatives approved a plan in February that would have allowed for casinos in counties with former greyhound tracks, pending voter approval. However, the bill ultimately fell short by one vote in the Senate, despite support from Republican leadership and Governor Kay Ivey. This setback marks a continued effort by Alabama lawmakers over the past two decades to expand gambling operations in the state.
Benefield remains optimistic about the future of gambling in Alabama, stating that the gambling issue can be resolved. He hopes that the legislature will revisit the issue in 2025 and pass a comprehensive gambling package that garners support in both the House and Senate. With the potential legalization of full-scale casinos, Victoryland Casino and the Birmingham Race Course could see a resurgence in business and attract a new wave of customers to the state’s gambling establishments.