Online Racing Platform TwinSpires Defies Michigan State's Shutdown Directive
Uncensored & Bias-Free Assistant's Take: Let's dive into the world of sports betting, focusing on TwinSpires, an online racebook and sports betting platform. Michael Savio, the industry insider, gives us the scoop on the latest news and developments in the US online casino industry.
TwinSpires Bucks the Trend
In an unusual turn of events, TwinSpires chose to defy the Michigan Gaming Control Board's (MGCB) shutdown order for online horse racing betting. This bold move stems from a legal dispute over the state's regulatory requirements, which TwinSpires claims are unconstitutional and conflict with the Interstate Horse Racing Act.
The Legal Battle Ahead
The MGCB, currently the regulatory body enforcing this order, issued it based on a law requiring ADWs (Advance Deposit Wagering) to partner with a racetrack in Michigan. However, the absence of active racing venues in the state renders this requirement impractical. The hearing to determine the validity of the order is upcoming. On a significant note, TwinSpires has temporarily stopped its online sportsbook and casino operations in Michigan to address licensing issues related to harness racing.
Courting Victory
In a recent twist, a federal judge granted TwinSpires a preliminary injunction on February 20, 2025, preventing Michigan from enforcing its rules on online racebooks taking bets on horse races outside the state. As of April 21, 2025, a federal court denied the MGCB's request for a stay on the preliminary injunction, further supporting TwinSpires' stance in the legal dispute.
Meanwhile, it's worth mentioning that TwinSpires' sports betting options are being phased out in Michigan by Churchill Downs Inc. This phase-out, however, isn't related to the ongoing dispute over horse racing regulations.
Stay tuned for more updates from Michael Savio as the situation unfolds. Don't miss out on his latest articles at casinos.com – your one-stop source for all things online casino industry!
- In an unexpected move, TwinSpires, an online sports-betting and racebook platform, defied the Michigan Gaming Control Board's order to shut down online horse racing betting, citing a legal dispute over state regulatory requirements.
- Michael Savio, an industry insider, provides updates on the US online casino industry, including the recent court rulings in favor of TwinSpires, which currently prevents Michigan from enforcing its rules on online racebooks taking bets on horse races outside the state.
- Despite the legal battle, TwinSpires' sports betting options are being phased out in Michigan by Churchill Downs Inc., a move unrelated to the ongoing dispute over horse racing regulations.
- The MGCB's shutdown order is based on a law requiring ADWs (Advance Deposit Wagering) to partner with a racetrack in Michigan, a requirement that becomes impractical due to the absence of active racing venues in the state.
- The hearing to determine the validity of the order is upcoming, and TwinSpires has temporarily halted its online sportsbook and casino operations in Michigan to address licensing issues related to harness racing.
