Churchill Downs has filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) due to the suspension of the TwinSpires online platform, which violated Michigan’s gambling laws. The MGCB had asked all licensed ADW operators in the state to cease their activities, with TwinSpires being the only one that failed to comply.

Churchill Downs questioned the MGCB’s authority to restrict its race betting brand and alleged that Michigan’s licensing requirements were in breach of federal law. The company initiated a federal lawsuit against the MGCB, seeking declaratory and injunctive relief to protect TwinSpires from the suspension, which could result in significant revenue loss.

In a separate development, the MGCB confirmed that two operators of an illegal gaming den in Flint have been sentenced. The den offered illegal games of chance and unlicensed online gaming, resulting in the defendants pleading guilty and receiving 12 months of probation and a fine.