Churchill's bet site ready

Churchill Downs Inc. was expected to launch its new account-wagering platform as of Wednesday morning, the company announced Tuesday.

The platform, twinspires.com, will launch three days before the running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville on Saturday. Churchill had earlier planned to begin operation before the opening of its spring meet last Saturday, but was delayed because of technical issues, Churchill officials said.

Twinspires.com will be one of three large account-wagering operations to offer betting on the Derby and Churchill's races this year. The others are XpressBet, owned by Magna Entertainment Corp., and the sites run by AmericaTab. Two other large account-wagering services, Youbet.com and Television Games Network, have not reached an agreement with Churchill to take bets on its races.

Churchill said that bettors will be able to sign up for an account at twinspires.com beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern on Wednesday. The minimum deposit for the service will be $50.

A membership to the service will include access to live streaming of all races offered through the platform and race replays, Churchill said.