Churchill Downs (NASDAQ:CHDN) Incorporated is a leading American entertainment and gaming company best known for operating the Churchill Downs racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky, home of the annual Kentucky Derby. Beyond its signature thoroughbred racing venue, the company manages a diversified portfolio of live racing facilities, casinos, and off-track betting operations. Its services encompass pari-mutuel wagering, historical horse racing machines, and online betting through its TwinSpires platform, reaching horse racing and sports betting enthusiasts nationwide.
In its live racing segment, Churchill Downs oversees a network of racetracks and racing festivals, offering year-round events in multiple states. The company’s gaming division operates casino properties and racinos, featuring slot machines, table games and electronic gaming terminals. Through strategic acquisitions and partnerships, it has expanded into regional gaming markets—serving patrons in Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Texas—and continues to explore opportunities in emerging sports wagering jurisdictions.
The roots of Churchill Downs date back to 1875 when the Louisville track hosted its inaugural Kentucky Derby. Over the decades, the organization evolved from a single-venue operator into a publicly traded corporation, diversifying its revenue streams across live racing, simulcasting, online wagering and casino gaming. Its TwinSpires brand, launched in the early 21st century, has become a prominent online betting destination, leveraging digital technology to connect users with live racing and sports events.
Headquartered in Louisville, Churchill Downs Incorporated is led by President and Chief Executive Officer Bill Carstanjen, who has overseen significant expansion into gaming and digital wagering. The company’s leadership team maintains a focus on operational excellence, customer engagement and regulatory compliance. With a blend of historic racing tradition and modern gaming innovations, Churchill Downs continues to shape the landscape of American horse racing and sports betting.
