Michigan Regulator Suspends TwinSpires For Failing To Cease Wagering

January 10, 2025
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Michigan regulators have issued a summary suspension order to the Churchill Downs-owned TwinSpires platform for continuing to operate advance deposit wagering on horseracing in the state despite an order to cease operations. 
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Michigan regulators issued a summary suspension order of the Churchill Downs-owned TwinSpires platform for continuing to operate advance deposit wagering (ADW) on horseracing in the state despite an order to cease operations.

In a statement Thursday (January 9), the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) said the order was the result of violations of Michigan’s gaming and racing laws, which dictate that simulcast and advance deposit wagering “must be tied to a live race meet and licensed track”.

The last remaining licensed racetrack in Michigan, Northville Downs, closed after holding its final race in February 2024. The regulator said, that with no racetrack to tie wagering to, ADW is prohibited in the state.

The regulator notified each of the four licensed ADW providers in Michigan, which also include Xpressbet, NYRA Bets, and Flutter's TVG, to stop conducting business with state residents until licensing issues are resolved.

The MGCB also notified all licensed third-party facilitators on December 23 to cease ADW services effective January 1.

However, the board said, TwinSpires notified the board on December 31 that it would continue to offer wagering for Michigan accounts. The other three providers complied with the order and ceased operations, according to the MGCB.

The regulator requested a virtual hearing before a state administrative law judge to determine whether the suspension should continue, or other penalties should be imposed on the company.

The halt of ADW in the state may only be temporary, as Northville Downs received conditional approval to offer live racing in April through June, as well as August through September, and permission to offer simulcast wagering, but that approval is conditional on the track becoming licensed again, which has yet to be approved.

“To obtain a license, a track must meet specific requirements, undergo necessary improvements, and pass various inspections,” the board said in a message on its website announcing the stoppage of ADW. 

“The MGCB remains committed to regulatory compliance and upholding industry standards,” it continued. “With that being said, as soon as a track is issued a license, we anticipate ADW resuming shortly thereafter.”

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