Michigan regulator issues TwinSpires with suspension order for horse racing violation

The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a summary suspension order to TwinSpires for non-compliance of the state’s horse racing laws.  

TwinSpires, a subsidiary of Churchill Downs, was found to be in breach of Michigan’s Horse Racing Law of 1995.  

The legislation stipulates that any simulcast and advance deposit wagering (ADW) activity must be associated with a live race meet and a licensed track.  

ADW is currently prohibited in the state as there are no licensed tracks whereby operators can conduct live horse racing and take bets from customers. 

While the licensing issue was being resolved, the MGCB instructed Michigan’s four licensed ADW operators to stop accepting bets from customers. 

The operators in question were TwinSpires, Xpressbet, NYRAbets, and TVG Network. TwinSpires was the only operator of the four not to comply with the MGCB ruling.  

The regulator issued the order to all four operators on December 23, 2024, requiring the cessation of  ADW operations with Michigan residents by January 1, 2025.  

On New Year’s Eve, TwinSpires informed the MGCB that it would continue to remain live.

An MGCB statement said: “As of January 1, 2025, all licensed third-party ADW facilitators were ordered to stop offering account wagering to Michigan residents because a necessary racetrack license for pari-mutuel wagering has not yet been secured under Michigan 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 regulator has requested a virtual hearing for TwinSpires before an administrative law judge to assess whether the summary suspension should continue, or if other fines and penalties will be deemed necessary.