Jump to content

Advance-deposit wagering

Add links
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Advance-deposit wagering (ADW) is a form of gambling on the outcome of horse races in which bettors must fund their account before being allowed to place bets. ADW is often conducted online or by phone. In contrast to ADW, credit shops allow wagers without advance funding; accounts are settled at month-end. Racetrack owners, horse trainers and state governments sometimes receive a share of ADW revenues.

It typically involves betting on horse or greyhound racing. Wagering may take place through parimutuel pools.

Legality

[edit]

United States

[edit]

In the United States, advance-deposit wagering is regulated through a combination of federal law, state racing laws, and state racing-commission licensing. Interstate pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing is governed by the Interstate Horseracing Act of 1978 (IHA), codified at 15 U.S.C. Chapter 57.[1] The IHA defines an "interstate off-track wager" as a legal wager placed or accepted in one state on a horserace taking place in another state, and includes pari-mutuel wagers, where lawful in each state involved, "placed or transmitted by an individual in one State via telephone or other electronic media and accepted by an off-track betting system in the same or another State".[2] The Act further provides that no person may accept an interstate off-track wager except as provided in the Act, and that an interstate off-track wager may be accepted by an off-track betting system only if consent is obtained from the host racing association, the host racing commission, and the off-track racing commission.[3][4]

In 2025, the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit considered the scope of the IHA in Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Co. v. Michigan Gaming Control Board, a case involving TwinSpires' acceptance of wagers from Michigan residents through its Oregon-based wagering hub. The court stated that the IHA allows an off-track betting system to accept interstate wagers if it obtains consent from three entities: the host racing association, the host racing commission, and the off-track racing commission.[5] The Sixth Circuit held that Michigan could not condition the legality of interstate wagers on additional state requirements that added to the IHA's consent scheme, stating that "Michigan can't craft its own consent requirement and call it a condition to legality".[6] The court distinguished state regulation of wager types or a wholesale ban on horserace wagering from state requirements that target the federal consent framework for interstate off-track wagers.[7]

Illinois was the first state to offer ADW and has allowed its adult residents to participate in ADW since 1999 under the Illinois Horse Racing Act of 1975; Illinois receives a cut of ADW revenues. Shortly thereafter, Connecticut, Maryland, New York, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania allowed the practice as well. By 2011, 28 states expressly allowed advance-deposit wagering, with 13 remaining in a legal "grey area" because the practice was not explicitly prohibited by state law.[8]

Two U.S. racing commissions are commonly used for multi-jurisdictional ADW licensing. Oregon licenses multi-jurisdictional account-wagering hubs; the Oregon Racing Commission states that it regulates multi-jurisdictional account-wagering hubs licensed in Oregon and publishes information about ADW companies, affiliates, totalizer companies, licensing, and pari-mutuel handle statistics.[9][10] Oregon administrative rules refer to a "multi-jurisdictional simulcasting and interactive wagering totalizator hub" and define an ADW hub as a business that conducts pari-mutuel wagering through qualified subscriber-based services.[11] North Dakota separately licenses service providers and account-deposit wagering websites; North Dakota rules define "account wagering" or "account deposit wagering" as pari-mutuel wagering funded through a deposited account balance and state that it includes advance-deposit wagering.[12] The North Dakota Racing Commission publishes licensed internet ADW sites and service providers.[13]

Availability varies by operator because some states require direct licensing, while other states are served by operators licensed through multi-jurisdictional hubs. One industry legal guide states that ADW is available in 39 states, while its state list identifies 41 states in which at least one legal horse-racing betting site is available.[14]

Reported ADW availability by state
State Reported ADW availability
Alabama Available
Alaska Not reported as available
Arizona Available
Arkansas Available
California Available
Colorado Available
Connecticut Available
Delaware Available
Florida Available
Georgia Not reported as available
Hawaii Not reported as available
Idaho Available
Illinois Available
Indiana Available
Iowa Available
Kansas Available
Kentucky Available
Louisiana Available
Maine Not reported as available
Maryland Available
Massachusetts Available
Michigan Available
Minnesota Available
Mississippi Not reported as available
Missouri Available
Montana Available
Nebraska Available
Nevada Not reported as available
New Hampshire Available
New Jersey Available
New Mexico Available
New York Available
North Carolina Available
North Dakota Available
Ohio Available
Oklahoma Available
Oregon Available
Pennsylvania Available
Rhode Island Available
South Carolina Available
South Dakota Not reported as available
Tennessee Available
Texas Not reported as available
Utah Not reported as available
Vermont Available
Virginia Available
Washington Available
West Virginia Available
Wisconsin Available
Wyoming Available

Multi-jurisdictional ADW operators

[edit]

Major U.S. ADW operators include the following. Availability varies by state, and some brands or websites operate under another company's wagering license, platform, or affiliate arrangement. Oregon's 2025 multi-jurisdictional wagering handle report lists AmWest Entertainment, Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company, eBet Technologies, Game Play Network, NYRA Bets, ODS Technologies, and Xpressbet as online wagering licensees.[15] North Dakota's 2026 internet ADW service-provider list includes AmWest Entertainment, Game Play Network, Lien Games Racing, PariBet, US Off-Track, WatchandWager.com, and Xpressbet.[16]

Operator Brands, sites, or affiliated ADW products Multi-jurisdictional license listing Notes
1/ST Technology / Xpressbet, LLC Xpressbet, 1/ST BET, 1/ST SELECT, BETMIX Oregon and North Dakota Xpressbet is listed in Oregon's 2025 multi-jurisdictional wagering handle report and in North Dakota's 2026 internet ADW service-provider list. Xpressbet states that customers can access Xpressbet, 1/ST BET and BETMIX through a 1/ST account. 1/ST BET terms state that the 1/ST BET app and website, together with the 1/ST SELECT website, are affiliates of Xpressbet, LLC; the same terms identify Xpressbet, LLC as a multi-jurisdictional account-wagering hub licensed in Oregon.[17][18][19][20]
AmWest Entertainment, LLC AmWager.com, Bet.trackinfo.com, GiddyUp.us, Onlineracing.tv, Saratogabets.com Oregon and North Dakota AmWest Entertainment is listed in Oregon's 2025 multi-jurisdictional wagering handle report and in North Dakota's 2026 internet ADW service-provider list. AmWager states that its parent company is AmWest Entertainment LLC and that AmWest is licensed and regulated by the Oregon Racing Commission as a multi-jurisdictional account-wagering provider. GiddyUp's terms state that GiddyUp is an authorized operating affiliate of AmWest and that AmWest holds a multi-jurisdictional simulcasting and interactive wagering totalizator hub license issued by the Oregon Racing Commission.[21][22][23][24]
Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company TwinSpires, DK Horse Oregon Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company is listed in Oregon's 2025 multi-jurisdictional wagering handle report. TwinSpires terms identify Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company as the operator of TwinSpires.com. DK Horse terms state that DK Horse wagering services are operated by Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Company with a license to use the DK Horse and DraftKings Horse brands.[25][26][27]
eBet Technologies, Inc. EmpireCityBets, HorsePlayersBet, IdaBet Oregon eBet Technologies is listed in Oregon's 2025 multi-jurisdictional wagering handle report. EmpireCityBets states that it is powered by eBet Technologies through eBet's licensed multi-jurisdictional account-wagering hub in Oregon. HorsePlayersBet similarly states that it is powered by eBet Technologies through a licensed Oregon multi-jurisdictional account-wagering hub. IdaBet states that it is owned by eBet Technologies and licensed and regulated under Oregon law.[28][29][30][31]
Game Play Network, Inc. HorsePlay Oregon and North Dakota Game Play Network is listed in Oregon's 2025 multi-jurisdictional wagering handle report and in North Dakota's 2026 internet ADW service-provider list for HorsePlay.com.[32][33]
Lien Games Racing, LLC OffTrackBetting.com, PlayUp Racebook, RushBetAndWin.com, IronBetsRacing.com, Spree.bet, MyWinners.com North Dakota The North Dakota Racing Commission lists Lien Games Racing, LLC as a 2026 ADW service provider for these internet sites.[34]
NYRA Bets, LLC NYRA Bets, Caesars Racebook Oregon NYRA Bets is listed in Oregon's 2025 multi-jurisdictional wagering handle report. Caesars Entertainment and NYRA Bets announced Caesars Racebook as a horse racing account-wagering app using the NYRA Bets platform; Caesars Racebook terms state that the service is operated by NYRAbets, LLC with a license to use the Caesars brand.[35][36][37]
ODS Technologies, L.P. TVG, FanDuel Racing, 4NJBets Oregon ODS Technologies is listed in Oregon's 2025 multi-jurisdictional wagering handle report. FanDuel Racing describes itself as building on TVG's horse-wagering legacy. FanDuel states that horse racing is offered through the FanDuel Racing app, FanDuel Sportsbook app in certain states, TVG in certain states, and 4NJBets in New Jersey.[38][39][40]
PariBet, LLC PariBet North Dakota The North Dakota Racing Commission lists PariBet, LLC as a 2026 ADW service provider for PariBet.com.[41]
US Off-Track, LLC Greyhound Channel, USOffTrack North Dakota The North Dakota Racing Commission lists US Off-Track, LLC as a 2026 ADW service provider for GreyhoundChannel.com and USOffTrack.com.[42]
WatchandWager.com, LLC WatchandWager North Dakota The North Dakota Racing Commission lists WatchandWager.com, LLC as a 2026 ADW service provider for WatchandWager.com.[43]

Impact in New York

[edit]

Chapter 58 of the New York State Laws of 2012 added a new Section 911 to the New York State Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law (Racing Law). Section 911 requires the New York State Racing and Wagering Board (Board) to assess the impact of advanced deposit wagering (ADW) in New York State including, but not limited to:

  • The impact of out-of-state account wagering providers (OSAWP) accepting wagers from New York State residents;
  • The annual dollar amount wagered by New York State residents through OSAWPs;
  • The number of OSAWP accounts held by New York State residents;
  • Information concerning New York State residents who utilize OSAWPs including residency.

Section 911 of the Racing Law required that the study, along with any recommendations, be submitted to the Governor and the Legislature by September 15, 2012.[44]

The results of the survey revealed that New York residents bet $165,567,707 in 2010 and $142,246,859 YTD 9/30/11 through the responding OSAWPs. This includes wagering on the New York racing product and on out-of-state racetracks. Table 1 provides detail of the handle by New York racetracks and out-of-state racetracks. The Board estimates this handle will exceed $200,000,000 in 2012.

The survey also showed that OSAWPs listed 18,769 accounts in 2010 and 21,310 accounts in YTD 9/30 2011 as New York resident accounts. All 62 New York State counties are represented. Table 2 lists the number of accounts by the county in which the zip code originated. Table 2-A lists the number of accounts by statutorily defined Off-Track Betting Regions. NJ Account Wagering, Sol Mutuel, Global Wagering Solutions and Elite Turf Club reported having no New York accounts.

Australia

[edit]

In Australia, wagering via telephone or via the internet is primarily controlled via the Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth). As of 2024, almost all usage of credit on these services, including use of credit cards to fund an ADW account, is prohibited under section 15C of the Act.[45]

Initial amendments to the Act in 2017 prohibited provision of credit by the operator to those physically present in Australia, but permitted use of an independently-issued credit card to fund the account.

On 11 June 2024, new provisions included by the Interactive Gambling Amendment (Credit and Other Measures) Act 2023 (Cth) came into effect, prohibiting most online or telephone operators from accepting any credit card, card linked to a credit facility, or digital currency for any purpose. These amendment in effect make all online and the vast majority of telephone-based gambling providers in Australia ADWs by law, although unlike the United States the specific term is generally not used colloquially.

Limited exceptions apply to non-automated, telephone-only operators where annual turnover (or expected turnover) is less than A$30 million.[46] Gambling providers can also provide credit to each other, under conditions set by the relevant minister,[47] for purposes such as laying off of bets.

Physically provided bookmaking operations do not fall under the Interactive Gambling Act, and thus are regulated through state and territory legislation.

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "15 U.S. Code Chapter 57 - Interstate Horseracing". Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  2. ^ "15 U.S. Code § 3002 - Definitions". Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  3. ^ "15 U.S. Code § 3003 - Acceptance of interstate off-track wager". Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  4. ^ "15 U.S. Code § 3004 - Regulation of interstate off-track wagering". Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  5. ^ "Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Co. v. Michigan Gaming Control Board, No. 25-1235". Justia. 16 December 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  6. ^ "Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Co. v. Michigan Gaming Control Board, No. 25-1235". Justia. 16 December 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  7. ^ "Churchill Downs Technology Initiatives Co. v. Michigan Gaming Control Board, No. 25-1235". Justia. 16 December 2025. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  8. ^ Tidwell, Marie-Cecile O.; Welte, John W.; Barnes, Grace M.; Dayanim, Behnam (1 February 2015). "Gambling Modes and State Gambling Laws: Changes from 1999 to 2011 and Beyond". Gaming Law Review and Economics. 19 (1): 13–26. doi:10.1089/glre.2014.1914. PMC 5012365. PMID 27688682.
  9. ^ "About Us". Oregon Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  10. ^ "Advance Deposit Wagering". Oregon Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  11. ^ "Oregon Administrative Rules, Chapter 462, Division 220: Multi-Jurisdictional Simulcasting and Interactive Wagering Totalizator Hub". Oregon Secretary of State. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  12. ^ "North Dakota Administrative Code, Chapter 69.5-01-11: Simulcasting and Account Deposit Wagering" (PDF). North Dakota Legislative Council. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  13. ^ "Betting". North Dakota Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  14. ^ "Advance Deposit Wagering Explained 2026: Best Legal ADW Sites". BettingUSA. 29 April 2026. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  15. ^ "Oregon Racing Commission 2025 Quarterly Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Handle" (PDF). Oregon Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  16. ^ "Betting". North Dakota Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  17. ^ "Oregon Racing Commission 2025 Quarterly Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Handle" (PDF). Oregon Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  18. ^ "Betting". North Dakota Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  19. ^ "Introducing a 1/ST Experience". Xpressbet. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  20. ^ "1/ST BET Terms & Conditions". 1/ST BET. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  21. ^ "Oregon Racing Commission 2025 Quarterly Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Handle" (PDF). Oregon Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  22. ^ "Betting". North Dakota Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  23. ^ "License and Regulatory". AmWager. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  24. ^ "Terms of Use". GiddyUp. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  25. ^ "Oregon Racing Commission 2025 Quarterly Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Handle" (PDF). Oregon Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  26. ^ "TwinSpires Terms and Conditions". TwinSpires. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  27. ^ "DK Horse Terms and Conditions". DK Horse. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  28. ^ "Oregon Racing Commission 2025 Quarterly Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Handle" (PDF). Oregon Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  29. ^ "About EmpireCityBets". EmpireCityBets. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  30. ^ "About HorsePlayersBet". HorsePlayersBet. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  31. ^ "FAQ". IdaBet. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  32. ^ "Oregon Racing Commission 2025 Quarterly Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Handle" (PDF). Oregon Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  33. ^ "Betting". North Dakota Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  34. ^ "Betting". North Dakota Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  35. ^ "Oregon Racing Commission 2025 Quarterly Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Handle" (PDF). Oregon Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  36. ^ "Caesars Sportsbook to Launch Caesars Racebook App in Partnership with NYRA Bets". Caesars Entertainment. 10 March 2022. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  37. ^ "Terms & Conditions". Caesars Racebook. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  38. ^ "Oregon Racing Commission 2025 Quarterly Multi-Jurisdictional Wagering Handle" (PDF). Oregon Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  39. ^ "FanDuel Racing". FanDuel. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  40. ^ "Bet on Live Horse Races". FanDuel. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  41. ^ "Betting". North Dakota Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  42. ^ "Betting". North Dakota Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  43. ^ "Betting". North Dakota Racing Commission. Retrieved 30 April 2026.
  44. ^ "Report of the Impact of Advance Deposit Wagering on Horse Racing and Pari-Mutuel Handle in New York State" (PDF). State of New York Racing and Wagering Board. September 14, 2012. Retrieved 31 August 2014.
  45. ^ Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) s 15C
  46. ^ Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) s 15D
  47. ^ Interactive Gambling Act 2001 (Cth) s 15E
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Advance-deposit_wagering&oldid=1351853953"