The state of Michigan and online racebook operator TwinSpires are in a legal dispute over mobile wagering on horse racing, with TwinSpires challenging Michigan’s licensing requirements for interstate wagering. TwinSpires is seeking a preliminary injunction to block the state from enforcing those requirements, arguing that federal law gives them the right to take bets from Michiganders on races run outside the state. Michigan, on the other hand, argues that TwinSpires is flouting its legally sound requirements for pari-mutuel wagering.

Michigan has issued a summary suspension order to TwinSpires for continuing to offer advance deposit wagering over the objection of the regulator, leading to a legal battle in the courts. TwinSpires argues that it has the necessary consents under the Interstate Horseracing Act to continue taking bets from Michiganders, while Michigan claims that TwinSpires is violating both federal law and Michigan law by accepting interstate wagers in the state. The legal battle is a challenge to the status quo for online wagering on horse racing in Michigan and has implications beyond the state.

Michigan officials are pushing back against TwinSpires’ lawsuit, arguing that the company does not have a constitutional basis for its claims and should not be granted a preliminary injunction. Michigan contends that TwinSpires must have consent from the Executive Director of the Michigan Gaming Control Board to accept interstate off-track wagers in the state, and granting TwinSpires an injunction would harm other operators who complied with the regulator’s orders. The legal battle continues to unfold in the courts, with TwinSpires seeking injunctive relief based on federal law and Michigan defending its regulatory control over parimutuel wagering offered via the internet within the state.