Poarch Creek Indian Gaming continues growth and success
PCI Gaming d/b/a Wind Creek Hospitality (WCH) commemorates its 35th anniversary this month. The gaming entity of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians (PCI or the Tribe) opened its first gaming facility, Creek Bingo Palace, in Atmore on April 13, 1985. 35 years later, WCH is an international gaming and hospitality operator with ten properties around the world. While it is often said “There are some things in life you have to see to believe”, the story of WCH proves sometimes believing is seeing.
PCI became Alabama’s first and only federally recognized Indian Tribe on august 11, 1984. Federal recognition ensured PCI the promise and the right of self-governance – something it has done for 573 tribes around the United States according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. With PCI’s renewed sovereignty, came the renewed responsibility to provide for the welfare of Tribal Members. Lacking the education and money needed to fund their newly recognized government, PCI (like many tribes before) looked to gaming as a viable, smart investment for its future.
When Creek Bingo Palace opened its doors – just eight months after the Tribe received federal recognition – the facility drew patrons throughout the Gulf region and provided 130 jobs. The building was not flashy and was often crowded, but employees and guests created a strong community around paper bingo. By 2003, PCI was operating electronic bingo gaming at three locations in Alabama. It was a monumental accomplishment for a small, rural Tribe with few resources and no experience. It was a testament to hard work and the shared belief that success in gaming would create much-needed opportunity for all.
Three locations in less than 20 years was not only a mountaintop – it was the beginning of a new climb and a taller mountain. Tribal and PCI Gaming leaders charted a path for responsible growth that surpassed expectations:
- January 6, 2009 – PCI opens Wind Creek Casino Atmore to the general public
- January 31, 2009 – PCI opens Wind Creek Atmore Hotel
- June, 2009 – PCI opens Spa, Cooking Studio, Fitness Center, Resort Pool and Amphitheater at Wind Creek Atmore
- June, 2009 – PCI purchased interest in Pensacola and Mobile racetracks
- December, 2011 – PCI purchased interest in Gretna racetrack
- October, 2013 – PCI opens family entertainment center at Wind Creek Atmore
- December, 2013 – PCI opens Wind Creek Casino Wetumpka
- February, 2014 – PCI opens Wind Creek Wetumpka hotel
- November, 2014 – Tribal Council met with PCI Gaming and challenged PCI Gaming to diversify and generate significant new revenue sources
- December, 2015 – PCI opens Wind Creek Casino Montgomery
- January, 2016 – PCI opens Wind Creek Montgomery Hotel
- May, 2016 – PCI partners with Washoe Tribe of California and Nevada to open Wa She Shu Casino in Gardnerville, Nevada
- Spring, 2017 – PCI approved to purchase Renaissance Aruba Resort & Casino
- October, 2017 – PCI approved to purchase Renaissance Curacao Resort & Casino
- May, 2019 – PCI approved to purchase Sands Bethlehem Resort & Casino and rebrand it to Wind Creek Bethlehem Casino & Resort
Between January of 2009 and May of 2019 (only ten years), WCH built and/or purchased a total of ten gaming facilities around the world! WCH now provides nearly 6,900 jobs; that number is higher when vendors and contract workers are factored in. WCH has never wavered in its commitment to giving back and creating opportunities for all. WCH has donated millions to deserving nonprofits, schools, first responder units and organizations who are making our communities better places to live, work and play.
PCI is a prime example of the progress federal recognition can lead to. The Tribe has a stable government that provides for education, recreation, public safety, healthcare and economy. The Tribe would not be where it is today if its leaders of yesterday had not invested time and energy to make gaming a success.
In March, WCH made the decision to voluntarily close its facilities until the threat of COVID-19 passes. In the meantime, WCH team members have been making courtesy calls to guests to keep the community connected and hopeful. Wind Creek’s leaders are continuing to lay the groundwork for proper reopening procedures, including social distancing policies. While the whole Wind Creek family would love to be celebrating together this month, WCH will continue to celebrate its 35th anniversary throughout the remainder of 2020 by reaffirming a commitment to not only do good business, but to do good.