Churchill Downs’ subsidiary TwinSpires filed suit in federal court against the Michigan Gaming Control Board in January after the state tried to force the betting platform to stop allowing Michigan residents to wager on out-of-state races.

It’s because of a third-party licensing requirement in Michigan for off-track betting platforms, where a bettor provides funds in their account before being allowed to place a bet.

Under state law, Michigan requires an advanced-deposit wagering platform — more commonly known as an off-track betting platform — to partner with a licensed racetrack. But on Jan. 1, 2025, no horse tracks in Michigan were licensed.

On Wednesday, a federal judge ruled in favor of TwinSpires, deciding that advanced-deposit wagering platforms can accept bets from Michigan residents.