Kentucky Derby betting: How to bet on the Kentucky Derby

Welcome to our guide on how to bet on the Kentucky Derby. If you’re eager to participate in the excitement of the race and potentially win some money, we’ll walk you through the process, as Kentucky Derby betting becomes a larger point of conversation ahead of the September Kentucky sports betting launch.

More Kentucky betting resources from Syracuse.com

How to bet on the Kentucky Derby

To easily place your bets on the Kentucky Derby, the first step is to join an online racebook. Within minutes, you can finish the registration, deposit funds instantly, and even take advantage of a generous welcome bonus. It’s worth noting that online racebooks are legally available in several states, including Kentucky.

By joining an online racebook like TwinSpires or FanDuel Racing, you can access various Kentucky Derby betting markets right at your fingertips. This eliminates the need to visit the track and allows for a quicker and simpler betting experience. While the legal Kentucky sports betting apps are not live yet, online racebooks provide a legally available platform to place your bets.

Best Kentucky Derby betting sites

While there are many great options for Kentucky Derby betting, two racebooks reign supreme.

TVG

TVG, the company behind the Kentucky Derby, introduced this pari-mutuel betting site in 2007. Named after the iconic twin spires at Churchill Downs, TVG has become the leading online racebook in the United States. It boasts a high-quality website and a user-friendly Kentucky Derby betting app.

Designed for experienced horseplayers, TVG offers advanced features, detailed past performance data, and a range of useful handicapping tools. New users can take advantage of the TwinSpires promo code offer, which grants a sign-up bonus of up to $200. Additionally, TVG provides various other betting promotions for the Kentucky Derby.

FanDuel Racing/FanDuel Sportsbook

For those seeking a simpler and more accessible option to bet on the Kentucky Derby online, FanDuel Racing, or, in some states, FanDuel Sportsbook, is a great choice. As a subsidiary of Flutter Entertainment, the parent company of TVG, FanDuel Racing benefits from their expertise in creating a high-quality online racebook for the flagship FanDuel brand.

How to register with Kentucky Derby betting apps

If you’re ready to place a Kentucky Derby bet online, follow these simple steps to get started:

Click the link provided next to one of the featured sites in this guide. This will take you directly to the online racebook, ensuring you qualify for the best sign-up bonus
On the racebook’s website, locate and click the “Join Now” button to access the registration form.
Fill out the registration form with the required information, including your title, name, date of birth, phone number, email address, home address, and the final four digits of your Social Security Number (SSN).
Create a username and password for your account, and set up security questions along with their corresponding answers.
Carefully read and agree to the terms and conditions provided by the racebook, then submit the completed registration form.
Depending on the racebook’s verification process, you may be required to upload scanned documents to confirm your identity. Follow any instructions provided if additional verification is needed.
Once your account has been approved, visit the online cashier section to make an initial deposit. Select your preferred payment method and follow the instructions to complete the deposit transaction.
If you plan to use a mobile device for betting, open the App Store on your iPhone or Google Play on your Android device. Search for your chosen online racebook and initiate the free download of their dedicated app.
After the app finishes downloading, it will appear on your device’s home screen. Open the app, sign in with your username and password, and navigate to the Kentucky Derby betting section within the app.
With the betting section accessible, you can now place your mobile wagers on the highly anticipated Kentucky Derby.

By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the thrill of betting on the Kentucky Derby from the comfort of your own home or on the go. Good luck with your wagers!

Kentucky Derby betting availability by state

If you’re ready to join the excitement and place your bets on the Kentucky Derby, here’s a breakdown of the states where you can legally participate in the thrill of the race through FanDuel Sportsbook, FanDuel Racing, and TVG. With these platforms, you can conveniently bet on the big race right from your phone or preferred device.

FanDuel Sportsbook OR FanDuel Racing App

Residents or visitors of the following states can enjoy betting on the Kentucky Derby using either the FanDuel Kentucky Sportsbook or FanDuel Racing app:

Colorado (CO)
Illinois (IL)
Indiana (IN)
Louisiana (LA)
Maryland (MD)
Massachusetts (MA)
Michigan (MI)
New York (NY)
Ohio (OH)
Pennsylvania (PA)
Virginia (VA)
West Virginia (WV)
Wyoming (WY)

FanDuel racing app

For those residing in the following states, the FanDuel Racing app provides an excellent platform for placing bets on the Kentucky Derby:

Arkansas (AR)
California (CA)
Delaware (DE)
Florida (FL)
Kentucky (KY)
New Hampshire (NH)
New Mexico (NM)
North Dakota (ND)
Oregon (OR)
Rhode Island (RI)
South Dakota (SD)
Vermont (VT)

TVG

If you are located in any of the following states, TVG is your go-to platform for Kentucky Derby betting:

Arizona (AZ)
Connecticut (CT)
Iowa (IA)
Idaho (ID)
Minnesota (MN)
Montana (MT)
New Jersey (NJ)
Washington (WA)

Check if your state is on the list and get ready to experience the thrill of the Kentucky Derby with these trusted platforms.

Kentucky Derby promo codes and betting promotions

If you’re interested in betting on the Kentucky Derby online, TwinSpires and FanDuel have some enticing promotions that will enhance your experience, much like Kentucky sportsbook promos are doing for the KY sports betting industry.

Payment methods for Kentucky Derby betting

When it comes to betting on the Kentucky Derby through leading sites and mobile apps, you’ll find a wide range of convenient payment methods available. These options ensure a seamless and hassle-free betting experience. Here are the various payment methods commonly accepted:

Credit cards, debit cards, prepaid cards

Popular payment methods such as credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards are widely accepted by the top betting sites for the Kentucky Derby. These options provide ease of use and allow for secure transactions.

E-wallets

E-wallets are another convenient option for online betting on the Kentucky Derby. Platforms often accept popular e-wallet services like PayPal and Venmo, providing a secure and efficient way to deposit and withdraw funds.

Online banking and e-checks

Many betting sites for the Kentucky Derby offer the convenience of online banking, allowing users to link their bank accounts for seamless transactions. E-checks are also commonly accepted, providing an electronic version of traditional paper checks.

Cash at retail venues or cash by barcode

For those who prefer to use cash, some platforms allow users to make deposits at retail venues or generate a barcode to pay with cash at specific retail outlets. This option provides a cash-based alternative for online betting.

Quick Withdrawal Methods

When it comes to withdrawing your winnings, the following methods are known for their efficiency, offering quick processing times to ensure you can access your funds in a timely manner.

Debit card withdrawal
Prepaid Card
PayPal
Venmo
Cash at a retail location

To optimize your betting experience, we recommend considering the available payment methods and selecting the one that best suits your preferences. Keep in mind that certain deposit methods may incur fees, so it’s advisable to choose a free banking option when betting on the Kentucky Derby online.

Understanding Kentucky Derby bet types

When compiling your Kentucky Derby best bets, it’s essential to understand the full range of options available. Here, we explain the most common markets for anyone interested in betting on the Kentucky Derby:

Basic bets

WIN: This is a straightforward bet on which horse will finish first in the Kentucky Derby. Payouts are calculated on a pari-mutuel basis, which will be explained further below.

PLACE: A place bet requires you to select a horse that will finish either first or second in the Kentucky Derby. The payouts for place bets will be the same, regardless of whether your chosen horse finishes first or second.

SHOW: This wager is placed on a horse to finish in the top three positions in the Kentucky Derby. You can also opt for an “across the board” bet, which combines win, place, and show wagers. Note that an across the board bet will cost more, as it combines three bets into one.

Exotic bets

Exotics provide an opportunity to turn a relatively small stake into a large profit. These Kentucky Derby betting options require you to choose two or more horses.

TRIFECTA: A trifecta bet requires you to accurately predict the first three horses to cross the finish line in the exact order specified. It is even more challenging than an exacta, but the potential profit is greater. Another popular option is the boxed trifecta, where you group multiple horses together and place several trifecta combinations on those runners.

EXACTA: In an exacta bet, you predict the winner and the runner-up in that exact order. While difficult to accomplish, a successful exacta bet typically results in a large payout. Additional options include the quinella, where you pick two horses to finish first and second in any order, as well as boxed exactas and exacta wheels.

SUPERFECTA: The superfecta bet entails selecting the winner, runner-up, third-place horse, and fourth-place horse in the precise order of finish. Correctly guessing all four horses results in a large profit.

SUPER HIGH FIVE: This rare bet involves predicting the first five horses to finish the race. The Kentucky Derby betting odds on this market are typically substantial due to the difficulty of prediction.

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