A federal judge has permanently barred the Michigan Gaming Control Board from enforcing a state licensing requirement against TwinSpires.
It’s a major legal victory for the online horse racing operator and limits Michigan’s authority over interstate wagering.
In a Jan. 6 ruling, Chief U.S. District Judge Hala Y. Jarbou granted summary judgment in favor of TwinSpires and converted an earlier preliminary injunction into a permanent one, effectively ending the state’s attempt to require the company to partner with an in-state racetrack.
The dispute centers on the Michigan Horse Racing Law, which requires companies facilitating pari-mutuel wagering to obtain a license from the state and to partner with a Michigan-based racetrack.
