A federal judge denied a request by the Michigan Gaming Control Board to stay a preliminary injunction in favor of the ADW platform TwinSpires. The injunction was issued in February, ruling that the MGCB was unconstitutionally violating the Interstate Horseracing Act by requiring ADWs to partner with a racetrack in Michigan before accepting simulcast wagers from residents.
The court order from April 18 only pertains to the February 19 preliminary injunction, with two active lawsuits still in the federal court system. The lawsuits stem from Michigan’s law requiring ADWs to partner with a racetrack, which couldn’t be fulfilled due to the lack of racing in the state since 2018.
The judge’s opinion and order stated that the MGCB had not met their burden to show entitlement to a stay, as the IHA preempts the MHRL requirements. The court upheld the charge of the IHA, establishing the exclusive procedure by which entities can accept interstate off-track wagers.