10  ILLINOIS BUSINESS LEADER
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
Since opening in November 2024, 
Wind Creek Chicago Southland has 
established itself as a transformative 
presence in Chicago’s south 
suburban region. This nearly $530 
million development was built 
by Wind Creek Hospitality, the 
gaming and resort enterprise for the 
only federally recognized tribe in 
Alabama, the Poarch Creek Indians. 
A true integrated resort destination, 
the property combines a state-of-the-
art casino, full-service luxury hotel 
and spa, fine dining in partnership 
with Fabio Viviani Hospitality Group, 
entertainment, and so much more. 
	
At the helm of this multi-
million-dollar investment is Brent 
Pinkston, Wind Creek Hospitality’s 
Chief Operating Officer. An Illinois 
native, Pinkston has emphasized 
the company’s goals of delivering a 
Brent Pinkston
Chief Operating Officer
Wind Creek Hospitality
premier entertainment destination 
with a combined commitment to 
the people at the heart of Chicago’s 
Southland. 
	
“For us, this project was never 
about building just a casino,” 
Pinkston said. “It’s about investing in 
this area and bringing lasting value 
through opportunity, tourism, jobs, 
and a destination the community can 
call their own.”
	
This investment began long 
before opening day. In 2022, Wind 
Creek announced a multi-year 
partnership with the Chicago 
Bulls—an early commitment 
that underscored the company’s 
intentions to millions of fans well 
ahead of welcoming the property’s 
first Guests. 
	
“I grew up a Chicago sports 
kid,” Pinkston remarked. “When you 
partner with the Bulls, you’re talking 
about generations of fans who live 
and breathe this 
team. For us, it was 
the perfect way to 
tap into that energy, 
build excitement 
ahead of opening, 
and instantly connect 
with the people (and 
fandom) who love 
this area as much as 
we do.”
    From the outset, 
Wind Creek has 
prioritized this 
type of connection with real-world 
opportunity. Since opening, the 
resort has generated more than 1,100 
jobs across gaming and hospitality 
A New Anchor for Chicago’s 

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