Churchill Downs to provide advance deposit wagering on pari-mutuel horse races

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Sports bettors in Michigan now can place bets on live and simulcast pari-mutuel horse races using mobile wagering through Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Co. under an order issued Thursday by Michigan Gaming Control Executive Director Richard S. Kalm.

Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Co. signed a third-party facilitator agreement with Northville Downs, Michigan’s only licensed racetrack. Previously, another mobile wagering company, TVG Network, reached an agreement with the track. The MGCB granted both firms conditional temporary licenses. Both firms may accept wagers on the Kentucky Derby.

“Michigan horse racing fans now have more options for placing bets from anywhere in the state on horse races with Northville Downs using mobile wagering,” Kalm said. “This new way of betting should increase interest in horse racing and provide additional funds for the industry.”

In December 2019, Michigan's Horse Racing Law of 1995 was amended to allow a race meeting licensee to use contracted third-party firms to facilitate wagering on live and simulcast pari-mutuel racing. A bettor creates an account with the third-party facilitator and can use a mobile device or computer to place wagers on pari-mutuel races using the money on deposit.

The MGCB approved mobile wagering on horse races in a 26 June order and granted a temporary license to TVG Network on the same day. TVG Network’s temporary license was extended in an 25 August order.