Churchill Down’s Twin Spires set back in Texas

Churchill Downs’ legal challenge on a Texan Law banning online gambling has been rejected by Federal Judge James R. Nowlin.

The 1986 law in question was amended in 2011 to explicitly ban internet betting and as such requires a punter place their bet in person at the track.  It formed the basis of the Texas Racing Commission’s challenge on the legality of Churchill’s TwinSpires.com online offering.

Nowlin rejected Churchill’s argument that “in-person” requirements violate the U.S. Constitution interstate commerce clause, saying “Churchill Downs and other entities like it do have the option of reaching Texas bettors via the simulcast system that Texas law sanctions.  It also prevents even Texas-based wagering companies from accepting bets online”.

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