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Gaming Control Board grants Xpress Bet a temporary license to provide advance deposit wagering on pari-mutuel horse races
March 31, 2021
Detroit, March 31, 2021 - Sports bettors in Michigan now can place bets on live and simulcast pari-mutuel horse races using mobile wagering through Xpress Bet under an order issued today by Michigan Gaming Control Board Executive Director Richard S. Kalm.
Xpress Bet, a subsidiary of Aurora, Ontario-based 1/ST, received a temporary license from the MGCB after the firm signed a third-party facilitator agreement with Northville Downs, Michigan’s only licensed racetrack. Previously, two other mobile wagering companies, TVG Network and TwinSpires/Churchill Downs, reached agreements with the track. The MGCB granted both firms temporary licenses in 2020.
“Michigan horse racing fans now have a third option for betting on horse races from anywhere in the state using mobile wagering,” Kalm said. “It’s a win for horse racing fans who want more choices in convenient mobile wagering providers, and the horse racing industry hopes to tap additional funding through this betting format.”
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. A simulcast wager is a bet on a horse race occurring outside of Michigan, such as the Kentucky Derby. The MGCB approved mobile wagering on horse races in June 2020.
The State of Michigan levies a 1 percent tax on wagers processed through third-party facilitators.
"The Michigan Gaming Control Board shall ensure the conduct of fair and honest gaming to protect the interests of the citizens of the State of Michigan."
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