Important Update: TwinSpires is no longer an online sportsbook. In 2022-2023, parent company Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) exited the online sports betting market entirely. The TwinSpires app and website are now horse racing only. Sports betting is only available at physical retail locations.
If you're looking for online sports betting, consider alternatives like DraftKings, FanDuel, or BetMGM.
| Platform | Sports Betting | Horse Racing |
|---|---|---|
| TwinSpires App/Website | Not Available | Yes (40+ states) |
| TwinSpires Retail (CDI Properties) | Yes (Select locations) | Yes |
Churchill Downs made a strategic decision to exit online sports betting due to unsustainable economics. Key factors included:
CDI concluded that online sports betting would not produce "acceptable profit margins for at least several years, if ever." The company now focuses exclusively on its fortress of profitability: Advance Deposit Wagering (ADW) for horse racing.
While TwinSpires no longer offers online sports betting, it remains one of the premier horse racing platforms in the US.
Bet $800, Get $200
This is NOT a deposit match - it's a conditional release bonus:
Best for: Active horseplayers who churn their bankroll regularly. Not ideal for casual bettors making occasional wagers.
TwinSpires is legal for horse racing in approximately 40 states - far more than any online sportsbook. Notable coverage includes California, New York, Florida, and Texas (where sports betting remains illegal).
Michigan Warning: TwinSpires license is SUSPENDED in Michigan as of January 2025 due to a regulatory dispute. Michigan users cannot place wagers.
TwinSpires branded retail sportsbooks exist at Churchill Downs properties. These are the ONLY places to bet on sports using TwinSpires:
| State | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | Churchill Downs, Turfway Park, Derby City Gaming, Oak Grove | Home state - multiple locations |
| Louisiana | Fair Grounds, various OTBs | Retail sports at track properties |
| Maryland | Ocean Downs Casino (Berlin) | Near Ocean City tourist area |
| Ohio | Miami Valley Gaming, other CDI properties | Retail sports available |
| Pennsylvania | Presque Isle Downs & Casino (Erie) | 50+ kiosks, staffed windows |
| Mississippi | Riverwalk Casino (Vicksburg), Harlows (Greenville) | Mobile betting on-premises only |
Unlike modern sportsbooks that absorb payment processing costs, TwinSpires charges fees on many deposit methods:
| Method | Fee | Processing |
|---|---|---|
| EZ Money (ACH/Bank) | FREE | Instant |
| Credit Card (Visa/MC) | $5.00 | Instant |
| PayPal | $5.00 | Instant |
| Apple Pay | $5.00 | Instant |
| Green Dot (Cash) | ~$4.95 | Instant |
| Wire Transfer (under $1,000) | $10.00 | 1-3 days |
| Wire Transfer (over $1,000) | FREE | 1-3 days |
Recommendation: Use EZ Money (ACH bank transfer) to avoid fees. A $5 fee on a $25 deposit represents 20% lost before placing a bet.
TwinSpires operates a robust loyalty program for horse racing bettors:
| Tier | Annual Handle | Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | $0 - $24,999 | 20% Brisnet discount, monthly promos |
| Silver | $25,000+ | Free track admission (excl. Derby), free programs |
| Gold | $50,000+ | VIP Gold Room access, concierge line |
| Platinum | $100,000+ | Kentucky Derby ticket priority, max multipliers |
Platinum Perk: Kentucky Derby ticket priority is extremely valuable - face-value Derby tickets are nearly impossible to obtain for the general public.
TwinSpires IS for you if:
TwinSpires is NOT for you if:
Since TwinSpires no longer offers online sports betting, consider:
Can I bet on sports through the TwinSpires app? No. TwinSpires exited online sports betting in 2022-2023. The app is for horse racing only. Sports betting is only available at physical retail locations.
What happened to TwinSpires Sportsbook? Churchill Downs discontinued online sports betting due to unsustainable losses competing with DraftKings and FanDuel. They now focus exclusively on horse racing.
Is TwinSpires legal in Michigan? No. TwinSpires license is suspended in Michigan as of January 2025 due to a regulatory dispute. Michigan users cannot place wagers.
Why does TwinSpires charge deposit fees? TwinSpires operates on the lower-margin parimutuel model and chooses not to absorb payment processing costs. Use EZ Money (ACH) for free deposits.
Is TwinSpires good for horse racing? Yes. TwinSpires is considered the gold standard for dedicated horse racing betting, with superior video quality, free Brisnet data, and the TSC Elite loyalty program.
Where can I bet on sports with TwinSpires? Only at retail locations: Kentucky (Churchill Downs, Turfway Park), Louisiana (Fair Grounds), Maryland (Ocean Downs), Ohio, Pennsylvania (Presque Isle Downs), and Mississippi.
Gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call +1-800-GAMBLER.