Michigan gaming regulator orders TwinSpires to shut down
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has served a summary suspension on TwinSpires, an affiliated company of Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company, for violating Michigan’s gaming rules and the Horse Racing Law of 1995. This is after TwinSpires refused to stop advance deposit wagering for Michigan residents despite being ordered to do so.
Michigan law requires that ADW and simulcast wagering activities be connected to a licensed racetrack hosting live racing events. Since no racetracks in the state currently hold such licenses, ADW operations are prohibited.
The MGCB directed all licensed ADW providers—NYRAbets, TVG Network (ODS Technologies), TwinSpires, and Xpressbet—to halt services for Michigan residents until appropriate racetrack licensing is established. While other providers complied, TwinSpires chose not to follow the directive.
On December 23, 2024, the MGCB told licensed third-party ADW facilitators to stop services to Michigan residents on or before January 1, 2025. Although the other operators complied, on 31 December TwinSpires informed the regulator of its intent to continue wagering activities on behalf of Michigan accounts in explicit violation of state law.
The MGCB took action due to non-compliance with state gaming laws. The case will now be considered by an Administrative Law Judge, who will decide whether to continue the suspension or fine TwinSpires. A date for the hearing has not yet been set.
