The Michigan Gaming Control Board has issued a summary suspension order against TwinSpires, owned by Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company, for non-compliance with Michigan’s gaming laws. TwinSpires violated the Horse Racing Law of 1995 by not linking advance deposit wagering activities to a licensed live race meet, despite regulatory directives to cease operations.
Michigan’s statutory requirements mandate that simulcasting and ADW must be tied to live horse racing events, but with no active racetracks holding a license, ADW operators were ordered to stop their activities. Despite compliance from other operators, TwinSpires chose to continue offering ADW services to Michigan residents, prompting the MGCB to issue a summary suspension order halting its operations within the state.
An upcoming virtual hearing will determine if the suspension will continue and if TwinSpires will face additional penalties. This development could be a setback for CDI, but recent investments in other areas may help offset the impact. The MGCB’s strict enforcement emphasizes the importance of regulatory compliance in the gaming industry, and TwinSpires’ future in Michigan and regulatory standing will be determined by the outcome of the hearing.
