The Texas Racing Commission (TRC) has issued a cease-and-desist letter to TwinSpires regarding its recently launched horse wagering platform in the state. The Churchill Downs Incorporated-owned brand went live on February 4, followed by a letter from TRC Interim Executive Director David Holmes on February 7. This was directed at United Tote, which is also part of Churchill Downs Incorporated.
As first reported by Horse Racing Nation, the letter tells United Tote to immediately stop accepting greyhound or horse racing bets in the state through TwinSpires outside of licensed tracks. He said that fines of up to $10,000 per violation will be imposed for failing to comply. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was copied on the email.
bets must be placed at licensed tracks, of which there are only three in the state
Texas is very conservative when it comes to gambling. No advance deposit wagering (ADW) is allowed, so bets must be placed at licensed tracks, of which there are only three in the state.
TwinSpires hadn’t been active in the Lone Star State since September 2013 after its parent company lost a lawsuit against the online gambling ban. However, a recent victory in a Michigan federal court adds a fresh perspective.
The three-judge panel ruled last month that Michigan authorities don’t have the authority to require that ADWs be tethered to a state license, as the Interstate Horseracing Act superseded that rule. This could allow TwinSpires to launch in other states where similar rules have blocked it in the past.
