DraftKings' 2019 Kentucky Derby future wagering suspended
Horse Racing Nation learned over the weekend that DraftKings' future wagering on the 2019 Kentucky Derby was suspended Saturday, just three days after opening at the Scarlet Pearl Casino in D’Iberville, Miss. And now we know why.
A Churchill Downs Inc. statement issued Wednesday said: "Federal law requires the consent of the track on which the wager is placed as well as other necessary approvals. In this case, the wagers did not meet the requirements of Federal law, including obtaining of our consent."
Johnny Avello, formerly of the Wynn Las Vegas, typically opened wagering in September at his former gig. His odds arrived four months later this season and upheld his standard to offer more value than competitors and more interests to play. First, though, DraftKings needed to receive regulatory approval from Mississippi Gaming Commission.
While that was sought, apparently permission from the May 4 Derby's host track was not.
The Vegas Stats & Information Network's Ron Flatter also noted that DraftKings, unlike the Wynn, does not accept pari-mutuel bets on horse racing -- meaning funds there are not contributing to racetracks and horsemen. The Scarlet Pearl is located in a state with two casinos owned by Churchill Downs Inc.: Greenville's Harlow's Casino Resort & Spa and Vicksburg's Riverwalk Casino Hotel.
Avello's board listed 285 horses with Game Winner, the unbeaten Breeders' Cup Juvenile winner, the 10-1 favorite.
For more, see the full VSiN report.