Road to Court: TwinSpires Sues Michigan Regulator Following Suspension of Operations
Article Rewrite:
A Fight Over Bets: TwinSpires vs Michigan's Gaming Control Board
Written by Michael Savio on January 13, 2025
Grabbing Attention
In a heated legal showdown, TwinSpires, a subsidiary of Churchill Downs, Inc., isn't backing down from a request to halt its ADW operations in Michigan.
Shaking Things Up
Here's the deal: Michigan doesn't host a licensed race track, leaving TwinSpires as the go-to option for racing enthusiasts. This scenario has ignited a contentious legal battle between TwinSpires and the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB).
The Current Scenario
This legal skirmish will keep the platform live, providing a much-needed betting outlet for Michigan residents.
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News You Should Know
Overview:
Michigan's tussle with TwinSpires centers around ADW operations. Here's what's happening:
- Legal Injunctions: In February 2025, a federal judge granted TwinSpires a preliminary injunction, giving the company the go-ahead to take bets from Michigan residents on out-of-state races. This decision held firm when the judge denied Michigan's request for a stay on April 18, 2025.[3][4]
- MGCB Directive: In response to Michigan's lack of in-state racing partnerships, the MGCB instructed all ADWs to cease operations for Michigan residents from January 1, 2025. However, TwinSpires persisted, leading to the suspension of its license by the MGCB on January 7, 2025.[1][2]
- Legal Grounds: TwinSpires claims that it operates within the parameters of federal law, specifically the Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA). The IHA requires consent from the involved racetrack and the regulating entities, not the MGCB, for out-of-state races.[4]
- Licensing Update: Northville Downs, a former partner of TwinSpires, received its licensing on January 31, 2025, enabling third-party facilitators to accept wagers under Michigan's regulations. Despite this, the MGCB maintained its suspension against TwinSpires.[2]
- Legal Battles: The dispute continues, with TwinSpires operating in Michigan while these legal challenges unfold. Another lawsuit landed in state court in March, leaving the situation unresolved.[1][5]
Stay tuned for updates on this fascinating legal standoff! 👊🏼✨
In this ongoing legal dispute, TwinSpires, while operating under the Interstate Horseracing Act, has continued sports-betting activities in Michigan despite being suspended by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB), sparking a surge of interest in online casino platforms like TwinSpires, particularly for sports enthusiasts in Michigan. The legal tussle between TwinSpires and the MGCB has also opened discussions about the possibilities of sports-betting in online casinos within the state, echoing the vibrant sports-betting scene in cities like Las Vegas.
