TwinSpires Promo Code: 2025

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.

Current TwinSpires Status

PlatformSports BettingHorse Racing
TwinSpires App/WebsiteNot AvailableYes (40+ states)
TwinSpires Retail (CDI Properties)Yes (Select locations)Yes

Why Did TwinSpires Exit Online Sports Betting?

Churchill Downs made a strategic decision to exit online sports betting due to unsustainable economics. Key factors included:

  • $34.9 million EBITDA drop in 2021 vs 2020
  • $27.1 million in losses attributed to sports/casino marketing costs
  • Inability to compete with DraftKings/FanDuel promotional spending
  • Decision to focus on profitable core business: horse racing

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.

TwinSpires Horse Racing: What You Get

While TwinSpires no longer offers online sports betting, it remains one of the premier horse racing platforms in the US.

Current Racing Welcome Offer

Bet $800, Get $200

This is NOT a deposit match - it's a conditional release bonus:

  • Wager $800 within 30 days of registration
  • Bonus releases in $100 increments per $400 wagered
  • Effectively a 25% rakeback on first $800 of handle

Best for: Active horseplayers who churn their bankroll regularly. Not ideal for casual bettors making occasional wagers.

Horse Racing Availability

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.

Retail Sportsbook Locations

TwinSpires branded retail sportsbooks exist at Churchill Downs properties. These are the ONLY places to bet on sports using TwinSpires:

StateLocationNotes
KentuckyChurchill Downs, Turfway Park, Derby City Gaming, Oak GroveHome state - multiple locations
LouisianaFair Grounds, various OTBsRetail sports at track properties
MarylandOcean Downs Casino (Berlin)Near Ocean City tourist area
OhioMiami Valley Gaming, other CDI propertiesRetail sports available
PennsylvaniaPresque Isle Downs & Casino (Erie)50+ kiosks, staffed windows
MississippiRiverwalk Casino (Vicksburg), Harlows (Greenville)Mobile betting on-premises only

Banking: Notable Fees

Unlike modern sportsbooks that absorb payment processing costs, TwinSpires charges fees on many deposit methods:

MethodFeeProcessing
EZ Money (ACH/Bank)FREEInstant
Credit Card (Visa/MC)$5.00Instant
PayPal$5.00Instant
Apple Pay$5.00Instant
Green Dot (Cash)~$4.95Instant
Wire Transfer (under $1,000)$10.001-3 days
Wire Transfer (over $1,000)FREE1-3 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.

Withdrawals

  • EZ Money (ACH): 1-2 business days
  • Paper Check: 5-7 days
  • In-Person Cash: Instant at CDI tracks (Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, etc.)

TSC Elite Loyalty Program

TwinSpires operates a robust loyalty program for horse racing bettors:

TierAnnual HandleKey Benefits
Bronze$0 - $24,99920% 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.

Key Features (Racing)

Mobile App

  • iOS: 4.8/5.0 stars (82,000+ reviews)
  • Android: Strong ratings, mature product

Unique Advantages

  • Free Brisnet Data: Past Performances (normally $3-5 per card) included free when you bet
  • Premium Video: Best-in-class live streaming, multiple tracks simultaneously
  • TwinSpires Edge: Expert picks and handicapping content
  • Full Exotic Betting: Trifectas, superfectas, Pick 4/5/6, carryover pools

Who Should Use TwinSpires?

TwinSpires IS for you if:

  • You want to bet on horse racing
  • You're a serious handicapper who values data and video quality
  • You want access in 40+ states (including CA, TX, FL)
  • You live near a CDI property and want retail sports betting

TwinSpires is NOT for you if:

  • You want online sports betting (use DraftKings, FanDuel, etc.)
  • You're in Michigan (license suspended)
  • You want fee-free deposits via PayPal/credit card
  • You want a simple deposit-match welcome bonus

Alternatives for Online Sports Betting

Since TwinSpires no longer offers online sports betting, consider:

  • DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $200 (27 states)
  • FanDuel - Bet $5, Get $150 (21+ states)
  • BetMGM - Up to $1,500 First Bet (20+ states)
  • FanDuel Racing - For horse racing with sports betting wallet integration

FAQ

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.