News Summary
The Michigan Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling allowing TwinSpires to continue its advance-deposit wagering operations, despite a shutdown order from the Michigan Gaming Control Board. The dispute arises from the conflict between state law and the federal Interstate Horseracing Act, which TwinSpires argues should take precedence. While other ADW providers have complied with the state’s directives, TwinSpires is poised for additional legal challenges as it seeks to maintain its operations in Michigan.
Lansing, Michigan – The Michigan Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has decided to uphold a ruling that allows TwinSpires to continue its advance-deposit wagering (ADW) operations in the state. This ruling comes in the wake of a shutdown order issued by the Michigan Gaming Control Board (MGCB) in December 2024, which mandated that all ADW activities cease by January 1, 2025.
The MGCB’s order stemmed from a state law requiring all ADW operations to collaborate with a licensed racetrack that offers live racing. However, this poses a challenge as Northville Downs, the last licensed racetrack in Michigan, halted live racing in February 2024, effectively narrowing the legal framework for ADWs in the state.
While various ADW providers such as DRW Bets, Xpressbet, TVG Network, and NYRA Bets chose to comply with the MGCB’s directive, TwinSpires opted to contest the shutdown. The legal dispute escalated when Churchill Downs, the parent company of TwinSpires, filed a lawsuit at the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan, challenging the MGCB’s authority over ADWs.
On February 19, 2025, U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou granted a preliminary injunction that allowed TwinSpires to maintain its operations while the case unfolds in court. The core of the legal battle lies in a conflict between Michigan’s 1995 Horse Racing Law and the federal Interstate Horseracing Act (IHA) of 1978. Churchill Downs contends that the IHA takes precedence over state law, arguing that Michigan’s requirements are discriminatory against businesses based out of state. The federal court has indicated that conditions imposed by the state for accepting wagers on horse racing outside of Michigan could be unconstitutional.
Compounding the issue, in April 2025, a federal judge denied the MGCB’s request to stay the preliminary injunction, reiterating the IHA’s dominance over any conflicting state statutes. The MGCB continues to assert that all ADW operators must engage with state-licensed racetracks to legally accept wagers from Michigan residents.
The ongoing situation raises questions about the future of online betting in Michigan and the potential for further legal action. TwinSpires’ parent company expresses its commitment to fostering competitive online betting practices, signalling that it is prepared for additional litigation as the legal proceedings continue.
In the meantime, Northville Downs is making attempts to revive live harness racing, having secured approval for several live racing dates at a new location. The efforts to breathe life back into the state’s last licensed racetrack may serve to impact future regulations and the ability of ADW operators to continue operating within Michigan’s legal framework.
As the situation develops, stakeholders in the gaming and racing industries are closely watching the outcome of the legal battles surrounding the operation of ADWs in Michigan. The court rulings and actions taken by entities like Churchill Downs and the MGCB will likely play a decisive role in shaping the landscape of online wagering and horse racing in the state moving forward.
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Additional Resources
- SBC Americas: TwinSpires Appeals Court ADW Challenge
- Sports Handle: Is Online Horse Racing Betting Legal?
- Thoroughbred Daily News: Federal Judge Upholds Interstate Horse Act
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Horse Racing
- Play Michigan: Michigan Takes Hard Line Against Online Racebooks
- Google Search: Horse Racing Betting Legal Status
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
