Michigan regulator suspends TwinSpires for violation of gaming laws
The Michigan Gaming Control Board issued a suspension order against TwinSpires, due to non-compliance with wagering laws.
US.- The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a summary suspension order against TwinSpires for violations of Michigan’s gaming laws and the Horse Racing Law of 1995.
According to the regulator, the suspension order stems from the licensee’s continued operation of advance deposit wagering (ADW) despite being issued a formal order requiring such activity cease for Michigan residents.
“Due to statutory requirements and per the state’s Horse Racing Law of 1995, simulcast and ADW wagering must be tied to a live race meet and a licensed track. There are currently no tracks in Michigan licensed to conduct live horse racing. As such, ADW is prohibited. For ADW providers to legally offer these wagers, a track license must first be approved by the MGCB,” the statement reads.
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Until all licensing issues are resolved, the MGCB has instructed the four licensed ADW providers operating in Michigan—Xpressbet, LLC; Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company d/b/a TwinSpires; NYRAbets, LLC; and ODS Technologies, L.P. d/b/a TVG Network— to stop conducting business with state residents. While three of the providers have complied, TwinSpires has failed to do so.
On December 23, 2024, the MGCB notified all licensed third-party facilitators to cease all ADW account wagering services for Michigan residents effective January 1, 2025. Despite this directive, on December 31, 2024, TwinSpires informed the Board that it would continue to offer account wagering for Michigan accounts, in violation of state law.
TwinSpires’ continued violation of legal regulations prompted the MGCB to intervene and enforce compliance with the established laws governing simulcast racing by issuing the summary suspension order.
The gaming regulator said a virtual hearing before an administrative law judge has been requested for the above-named licensee to determine whether this summary suspension should continue, or if other fines and penalties should be imposed.
