MGCB issues suspension order to TwinSpires due to noncompliance with wagering laws
The Board instructed the state’s four licensed ADW providers to cease business with residents, but TwinSpires acted as the lone provider to continue operations.
Key Points
- Per Michigan’s Horse Racing Law of 1995, simulcast and ADW wagering must be tied to a live race meet and a licensed track, which there are currently none of within the state
- On December 23, 2024, the MGCB notified all licensed third-party facilitators to cease ADW account wagering services for residents effective January 1, 2025
The Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) has issued a suspension order to Churchill Downs’ TwinSpires Horse Racing segment due to noncompliance with advance deposit wagering (ADW) laws including the state’s Horse Racing Law of 1995.
Due to statutory requirements and per the 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 such events, meaning ADW has been prohibited since the law went into effect.
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 notice, TwinSpires informed the Board that it would continue to offer account wagering in Michigan on December 31.
TwinSpires was the only operator to continue ADW operations after being notified to end such business within the state.
Good to know: CDI announced the promotion of Michael Lilly from VP of Finance and Operations to President of TwinSpires Horse Racing on June 27, 2024
The Board explained its decision to issue the suspension order, having said, “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.”
A virtual hearing before an Administrative Law Judge was requested to determine whether the summary suspension should continue, or if other fines and penalties should be imposed. No date for the hearing has been provided by the MGCB as of this time.
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