TwinSpires Wagering Site to Begin May 2

(Edited Churchill Downs Inc. release)
A new advance deposit wagering service, TwinSpires, is prepared to launch on May 2, accepting wagers on the 2007 spring meet at Churchill Downs racetrack in time for the 133rd renewals of the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (gr. I) on May 5 and the Kentucky Oaks (gr. I) a day earlier, Churchill Downs Inc., announced.

Beginning at 9 a.m. EDT on May 2, customers in approved states can register for the new account wagering service by visiting the TwinSpires Web site, www.twinspires.com, and clicking on the “Register Now” button on the home page.  Registration is subject to applicable rules and restrictions. Player services representatives will be available to assist customers at 1-877-SPIRES-1. TwinSpires is the official account wagering service for CDI and its family of racetracks

A first-time minimum deposit of $50 is required in order to wager online at www.twinspires.com or via telephone at 1-877-SPIRES-1 (1-877-774-7371). After the initial deposit to open a TwinSpires account, there is no minimum deposit amount. Customers may deposit funds into their TwinSpires accounts at any time via their phone, the TwinSpires Web site or postal mail. The TwinSpires team is working to set up deposit and withdrawal locations at all Churchill Downs-operated racetracks where customers can deposit or withdraw funds from their accounts in person.

TwinSpires charges no fees to register, wager or to maintain an account. The service offers free live video streaming of races and free race replays to all wagering customers.

TwinSpires is currently authorized to accept wagers from customers in the following states: Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington and Wyoming. TwinSpires customers in Florida may place wagers by phone only.

“Churchill Downs Incorporated is pleased to launch TwinSpires, our new account-wagering service, in time for racing fans across the country to wager on America’s premier horse race, the Kentucky Derby, as well as on races from Churchill Downs, Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, Fair Grounds Race Course, Pimlico Race Course, Lone Star Park, Golden Gate Fields, Laurel Park and other popular racing venues,” said Vernon Niven, president of TwinSpires. 

“During the next few months, we plan to introduce new content, features and handicapping tools that will further distinguish TwinSpires from its competitors," he added.

TwinSpires is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., and operates a wagering hub in Oregon.