Will Alabama's Republican Nominee for Attorney General Katherine Robertson Uphold or Overturn Legal Status of VictoryLand's Historic Horse Racing Games?
- Lane McCollum
- Jun 20
- 3 min read
The future of VictoryLand and its historic horse racing games in Alabama hangs in the balance as Katherine Robertson, the newly elected Republican nominee for Attorney General, prepares to take office. These games have operated under a legal opinion from former Attorney General and federal judge Bill Pryor, who deemed the machines legal. Yet, with Robertson’s campaign receiving significant dark money contributions from out-of-state gambling and sports betting interests, questions arise about whether she will maintain the status quo or issue a new opinion that could force VictoryLand and similar facilities to close. This post explores the stakes involved, the history of legal challenges faced by VictoryLand, and what the potential outcomes could mean for workers and communities.
Background on VictoryLand and Historic Horse Racing Games
VictoryLand, located in Shorter, Alabama, operates historic horse racing (HHR) machines, a form of pari-mutuel wagering on previously run horse races. These machines have been a significant source of revenue for the facility and have supported thousands of jobs and millions in charitable donations to local communities and schools.
The legal foundation for these machines was solidified when Bill Pryor, Alabama’s Attorney General before becoming a federal judge, issued an opinion declaring the machines legal under state law. This opinion allowed VictoryLand and similar venues to operate without fear of legal shutdowns, providing economic stability in the region.
Previous Legal Challenges and Mistreatment of Facilities
VictoryLand and other facilities operating HHR machines have faced numerous legal and regulatory challenges over the years. Past administrations in Alabama have sometimes targeted these venues with aggressive enforcement actions, leading to temporary closures and financial losses.
Many argue these actions were unfair and harmful, not only to the businesses but also to the workers and communities that depend on them. For example:
Job losses: Previous shutdowns led to layoffs of hundreds of employees.
Community impact: Charitable donations funded by these venues were halted, affecting schools and local programs.
Legal uncertainty: Conflicting opinions and enforcement created an unstable business environment.
These challenges have sparked debate about the fairness of how Alabama’s government has treated historic horse racing facilities.
The Role of Dark Money and Out-of-State Interests
Katherine Robertson’s campaign for Attorney General reportedly received substantial dark money contributions from the Republican Attorneys General Association (RAGA) and out-of-state gambling and sports betting interests. These groups often push for stricter regulations or bans on certain gambling operations to protect their own business interests.
This financial backing raises concerns about whether Robertson will prioritize these outside interests over Alabama’s local economy and the legal precedent set by her predecessor. The possibility of a new Attorney General opinion declaring HHR machines illegal could:
Force VictoryLand and similar venues to close.
Lead to thousands of job losses in Alabama.
Cut off millions of dollars in charitable donations to schools and communities.
What Could a New Attorney General Opinion Mean?
If Katherine Robertson chooses to issue a new opinion deeming historic horse racing machines illegal, the consequences would be significant:
Closure of facilities: VictoryLand and others would likely have to cease operations immediately.
Economic fallout: Thousands of workers could lose their jobs, increasing unemployment in affected areas.
Loss of community funding: Charitable contributions from these venues would disappear, impacting education and local services.
Legal battles: Facilities may challenge the opinion in court, leading to prolonged uncertainty.
On the other hand, maintaining the current legal stance would preserve jobs and community funding, while respecting the legal opinion previously issued by Bill Pryor.
What Alabama Residents Should Watch For
Alabama residents, especially those in communities supported by VictoryLand and similar venues, should pay close attention to Katherine Robertson’s actions as Attorney General. Key signs to watch include:
Public statements or policy positions on historic horse racing and gambling.
Any new legal opinions or regulatory changes affecting HHR machines.
Legislative efforts related to gambling and sports betting in Alabama.
Responses from local officials and community leaders.
Understanding these developments will help residents anticipate potential impacts on jobs, local funding, and the broader economy.
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