Michigan Regulators Clamp Down on TwinSpires: Suspension Order for Wagering Compliance Violations

DETROIT, Jan. 9, 2025 — The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a summary suspension directive against TwinSpires for infringements of Michigan’s gaming regulations and the Horse Racing Law of 1995. The suspension order originates from the licensee’s ongoing operation of advance deposit wagering (ADW) despite having received a formal directive mandating that such activities cease for residents of Michigan.

In accordance with statutory obligations and pursuant to the state’s Horse Racing Law of 1995, simulcast and ADW wagering must be associated with a live race event and a licensed racecourse. Presently, there are no racecourses in Michigan authorized to conduct live horse racing. Consequently, ADW is not permitted. For ADW providers to lawfully offer these wagers, a racecourse license must be initially approved by the MGCB.

Until all licensing matters are addressed, the MGCB has instructed the four licensed ADW providers functioning in Michigan—Xpressbet, LLC; Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company operating as TwinSpires; NYRAbets, LLC; and ODS Technologies, L.P. trading as TVG Network—to cease all operations with state residents. While three providers have complied, TwinSpires has not adhered to this requirement.

On Dec. 23, 2024, the MGCB informed all licensed third-party facilitators to terminate all ADW account wagering services for Michigan residents effective Jan. 1, 2025. Despite this instruction, on Dec. 31, 2024, TwinSpires notified the Board that it intended to continue account wagering for Michigan accounts, in violation of state legislation.

As of Jan. 1, 2025, all licensed third-party ADW facilitators were mandated to halt account wagering for Michigan residents, as a required racetrack license for pari-mutuel wagering has yet to be obtained under Michigan state law. TwinSpires’ persistent infringement of legal standards compelled the MGCB to step in and enforce compliance with the existing regulations governing simulcast racing by issuing the summary suspension directive.

A virtual hearing before an Administrative Law Judge has been requested for the aforementioned licensee to ascertain whether this summary suspension should persist or if additional fines and penalties should be levied.

Gambling in any form is solely for entertainment purposes. If you or someone you know may have a gambling issue, contact the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, text 800GAM, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org. Assistance is available 24/7 and is free and confidential. Residents of Michigan can also visit the Responsible Gaming section of the MGCB website for information on self-exclusion programs including the Disassociated Persons List and the Internet Gaming and Sports Betting Responsible Gaming Database, and DontRegretTheBet.org for more resources on responsible gaming.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall guarantee the conduct of fair and honest gaming to safeguard the interests of the citizens of the state of Michigan. Learn more at Michigan.gov/MGCB.