Along with the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, the Kentucky Derby is one of the three pillars of horse racing's ‘Triple Crown' accolade. A Louisville institution dating back to 1875, it is the most readily named of prestigious events in North America, even by those who are otherwise novices when it comes to thoroughbred horses.
- Kentucky Derby Betting Online
- Kentucky Derby Gambling Online
- Online Betting Kentucky Derby 2019
- Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby betting apps Legal horse race betting sites all are mobile device-friendly. While the default is a browser-based version of the betting interface, you will also find apps available. You can download these onto your smartphone, giving you a stable and fast interface to place bets. Get a Free Preakness Bet! You can now bet on the Kentucky Derby! Get great future odds with amazing payouts on the leading Kentucky Oaks and Derby horses and even the leading Jockeys and Trainers. Bet the 'Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports' running on May 1st, 2021 at Churchill Downs. One of the best ways to improve your odds at winning your bets on the Kentucky derby betting, as well as other horse racing games, is to find the best odds and best racing systems by using the resources provided by the best online gambling websites. How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby. Unless you are at the venue itself, online betting sites will be your go-to source of the latest antepost odds. With every incoming event on the planet being just a click away, online betting is the obvious solution to those away from the racecourse itself.
The prize money at stake has also increased drastically over the years, even with inflation accounted for. This cannot fail to motivate jockeys into racing with uncompromising aggression and determination, and this combines well with the fast-paced track to maximize the entertainment value!
However, it is not just the jockeys that can earn big from the Kentucky Derby, and as a huge event that comes around just once a year, people will bet big. In turn, some will win big, and in knowing this, anyone betting on the Derby will be eager to seek out the best sites for betting on Triple Crown events.
Best Betting sites for Kentucky Derby
Figuring out the ‘best' sites for betting on a horse race is all down to opinion. Some will go after the longest odds for a realistic contender, while others will seek out the most generous free bets and matched bonuses.
Certain bookmakers already have a rich history of providing Kentucky Derby odds for bettors on both sides of the Atlantic. With Canada, Australia and the UK/EU having a relatively rich history of legalized betting, users in these territories are truly spoilt for choice when it comes to taking advantage of great offers related to horse racing.
By contrast, due to the country's historically tighter legislation in gaming, the United States remains virgin territory for most well-known sportsbooks out there. However, some of the most notable transatlantic horse racing bookmakers have already made their mark in New Jersey sports betting, as well as the other aforementioned territories. William Hilland888 Sport sit proudly in that number.
How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby
Unless you are at the venue itself, online betting sites will be your go-to source of the latest antepost odds. With every incoming event on the planet being just a click away, online betting is the obvious solution to those away from the racecourse itself.
Online Betting
Many bookmakers have generous offers that can be used on great horse racing events such as betting on the Kentucky Derby. These will usually take the form of matched bet bonuses or free bet offers that are exclusive only to new customers, who sign up via a banner link advertising such offers or opt in if signing up via the regular bookmakers' URL, without any special code in it.
With the latter, a new registrant will get only the winnings (if any) that the bet yields, in lieu of receiving the wager amount and the payout. That would be the case if using ‘wallet' funds to wager as normal.
Matched bet bonuses are different in that the stake is returned, along with any winnings. However, these offers are accompanied by wagering requirements, which means that the bonus amount must be played a set number of times to make a withdrawal of any winnings possible.
Specific events will be easy to find via (firstly) the ‘horse racing' tab, and then the list of events for which antepost odds are available. On certain sites, in the case of the Kentucky Derby, a ‘thoroughbred' tab may need to be selected between ‘horse racing' and ‘Kentucky Derby' in order to show odds.
Betting at Teller
For those fortunate enough to be at the Kentucky Derby, tellers can accommodate any type of bet. Bettors need only state the name of the track, the race number (e.g. fifth, sixth etc), the wager amount, the type of wager and the horse (or horses) to be backed. Calculations, and potential payouts, are instant.
Off Track Betting
Off-track betting (OTB) involves the bettor placing a wager, in person, on a horse racing event away from the ground. Visiting an OTB parlor enables offline wagering with physical tender, with odds and hot tips that may be unavailable online.
Is it legal to bet on the Kentucky Derby in the United States?
Although it is not yet legal across the entire country, betting on horse racing is legal in a much wider range of states compared to sports betting. This makes the Kentucky Derby perhaps not only the most wagered-on event in horse racing, but also – potentially – the biggest betting draw of any American-based sporting event.
US horse betting laws vary state by state, with four being current focal points for horse racing.
- New Jersey: Atlantic City has been a powerhouse of betting, but with online gambling legalized in November 2013, NJ's existing reputation as a liberal mecca for gambling was redoubled. OTB parlors have been available in NJ since 2007, and there are currently five active parlors in the state. Derby fans can get in on the action via one of the many legal betting sites in NJ including Caesars, Harrah's and Sugarhouse. New Jersey bettors can bet on the Kentucky Derby at TVG or Twinspires.
- Pennsylvania: Wagering on harness and thoroughbred horse racing events has been legal in PA since the 1960s. With a rich history of wagering on horse racing, the state of PA has a number of sites where it is possible to bet on the Breeders' Cup. OTB parlors that deal exclusively in thoroughbred events can currently be found in Grantville, Bensalem and Erie. Like NJ, there are a number of PA online sportsbooks, however, you'll need to choose from a legal racing site to bet on the Kentucky Derby. This includes TVG, BetAmerica or TwinSpires.
- West Virginia: OTB opportunities are less plentiful on WV compared to PA and NJ. However, off-track Kentucky Derby betting is possible at two locations, namely the Sportsbook parlors at Hollywood Casino (at Charles Town Races) and the Mountaineer Casino Racetrack in Chester.
Indiana
While people in Indiana can go online and wager on horse races, the penalties for going online to actively seek illegal or unlicensed wagering opportunities are potentially harsh. This makes the presence of OTB locations in Indiana all the more convenient.
As in WV, there are currently two OTB locations: Hoosier Park in Anderson and the Indiana Downs Racetrack in Shelbyville.
Legal betting options in the US
Bettors in states that allow betting on horse racing online have access to a number of options.
TVG
Formed in 1993, TVG is seen by many as the leading authority when it comes to online betting on thoroughbred events like the Kentucky Derby. Anyone with a TVG account has access to an ever-growing number of tracks (currently 150+), both in the United States and the rest of the world.
TVG endeavors to offer bettors the same value of bets that they would find at an OTB parlor, or a teller station at a racetrack, and the value is guaranteed by the fact that the online bettor's money is pooled together with the wagers of those at the track itself.
BetAmerica
For those who live in a state that allows the full range of sports betting opportunities, BetAmerica is an extremely popular choice, with the site making every effort to provide advice for bettors of all experience levels. Its mobile app also has an excellent reputation, and though any newcomers seeking a special offer will need to contend with wagering requirements, this is nothing out of the ordinary.
For those seeking particularly impressive value for their custom, the final weekend of every October is unmissable.
Twin Spires
Operated by Churchill Downs racetrack (active since 1875), races on Twin Spires cover Europe, Africa, western Asia and Oceania as well as North America. The list of upcoming races is easy to navigate, and once the bet is placed, the race can be streamed in real time for added drama and excitement.
One of Twin Spires' most intriguing features is the range of interfaces that are available year-round.
TwinSpires TV is the tool that enables the viewing of races in real time, with viewers able to switch between the wagering page and the live stream across separate windows/tabs. In the TV interface, priority is given to the live stream, with the wagering page put inside a smaller separate window.
Users can also use the Express & Pro interface, where the wagering page is instead displayed with more prominence than the live feed. This is best-suited for those in the betting profession, including traders, with this interface showing a news feed along with other elements such as an advanced race program.
Meanwhile, the Classic interface blends both parts of the live experience equally, with handicapping tools and betting pools taking priority over the full range of online facilities typically used by experienced horse racing professionals.
Legal betting options in the UK
The culture of horse racing in the UK extends back in excess of 1,800 years, and media coverage of the main events on the calendar is extensive. Amongst that number are the Aintree Grand National, Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival, which are the most reliable generators of online betting traffic for horse racing in the UK.
bet365 summary
Both as a desktop interface, and a betting mobile app in more recent years, bet365 has a long-standing reputation as a staple of wagering on horse races across the globe.
In terms of percentage, payouts are consistently in the high 80s to mid-90s, with an average of just over 90% as of July 2019. On top of wagering opportunities that cover over 200 venues, live streaming of races in the UK and Ireland is also available, but that is subject to a minimum bet value per race.
The mobile app also allows accumulator selections to be modified or erased up until the start of the race.
Betway summary
With similarly generous average payouts, Betway also enjoys a sterling reputation. Though it only launched in 2006, the brand has risen through the ranks, and now has 2m+ users (and counting) across Europe.
A huge part of Betway's competitive edge is the HorseFinder tool, which enables users to get the best odds possible – particularly for horses that are underrated. That, combined with the notably-generous welcome offer, makes Betway a much sought-after source of good value for betting on horse races.
Legal betting options in Canada
It is legal to bet on the Kentucky Derby in Canada, and the event attracts a remarkable amount of interest for a non-US audience.
As a native brand, Sports Interaction is naturally seen as the market leader in Canada for betting on the Kentucky Derby, with a $200 free bonus, accompanying a five-star rating on several respected comparison sites across Canada.
Types of bets
The horse racing industry is reliant on offering a wide range of betting options in order to stay commercially successful and economically profitable. The main types of bet for thoroughbred race events are:
Single bet
The most common type of wager is a single bet ‘on the nose', where a horse must win outright to enable a payout.
‘Place only' bet
Place bets require a horse to finish a certain distance up the final classification list after the race ends. How high the horse must finish to yield a payout depends on the number of runners:
- <5 runners – 1st (see ‘Single bet')
- 5-7 – 1st or 2nd (odds/payout reduced by 75%)
- >8 – 1st/2nd/3rd (odds/payout reduced by 80%)
- Handicap (12-15 runners) – 1st/2nd/3rd (odds/payout reduced by 75%)
- Handicap (>15 runners) – 1st/2nd/3rd/4th (odds/payout reduced by 75%)
Each-way bet
Half of the stake goes on a horse to win, while the other half is wagered on a horse to be ‘placed'. The stake amount is doubled, but if the horse wins, then both of the potential payout amounts – for the win and the place – are awarded together along with the returned stake.
Accumulator / Multiple bet
Accumulators are bets on multiple horses, with all needing to prevail (be that by means of a win or merely a placing) for a winning bet.
Doubles (two horses), Trebles (three) and Four-fold are the most popular types of multiple bet. Although there is no limit on how many horses can be included, all online bookmakers will have a winnings cap, or an alternative means by which they can protect themselves from astronomic payouts (i.e 7 or 8+ figures) on accumulators.
There are also other types of multiple bet, in which not all of the selections must prevail for a payout. The only catch is that the stake is automatically multiplied by the number of possible ‘winning lines'. They have unique names, and stipulations, as follows:
- Trixie (Each-way Trixie)
Min. 2/3 selections must prevail | Stake multiplier/Winning lines: x4 (x8)
- Patent
2/3 selections | Stake multiplier: x7
- Yankee
2/4 selections | Stake multiplier: x11
- Lucky 15
1/4 selections | Stake multiplier: x15
- Lucky 31
1/5 selections | Stake multiplier: x31
- Lucky 63
1/6 selections | Stake multiplier: x63
- Goliath
2/8 selections | Stake multiplier: x247
Exacta / Forecast
A bet on the exact finishing order of the top two horses. This differs from Quinella / Reverse Forecast, where the top two must match the prediction, but in any order.
Jackpot bets
The bravest of bettors will entertain the idea of placing a jackpot bet. Simply put, this involves the selection of the first six winners of the day at any track. Winnings can be life-changing, but there is an easier version, called a ‘Placepot' bet, which involves betting on the first six horses to ‘place' on a track day.
Kentucky Derby odds
The odds for the Kentucky Derby have plenty of room for fluctuation between now and the start on May 2, 2020 at Churchill Downs. These are the odds as they currently stand:
The 2020 Kentucky derby odds will be posted here once the odds are released. The table below outlines the 2019 odds at post.
Post | Horse | Jockey | Odds |
---|---|---|---|
1 | War of Will | Tyler Gaffalione | 15/1 |
2 | Tax | Junior Alvarado | 20/1 |
3 | By My Standards | Gabriel Saez | 15/1 |
4 | Gray Magician | Drayden Van Dyke | 50/1 |
5 | Improbable | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 5/1 |
6 | Vekoma | Javier Castellano | 15/1 |
7 | Maximum Security | Luis Saez | 8/1 |
8 | Tacitus | Jose Ortiz | 8/1 |
9 | Plus Que Parfait | Ricardo Santana Jr. | 30/1 |
10 | Cutting Humor | Corey Lanerie | 30/1 |
11 | Haikal | Rajiv Maragh | 30/1 |
12 | Code of Honor | John Velazquez | 12/1 |
13 | Win Win Win | Julian Pimentel | 12/1 |
14 | Master Fencer | Julien Leparoux | 50/1 |
15 | Game Winner | Joel Rosario | 9/2 |
16 | Roadster | Florent Geroux | 5/1 |
17 | Long Range Toddy | Jon Court | 30/1 |
18 | Spinoff | Manny Franco | 30/1 |
19 | Country House | Flavien Prat | 30/1 |
20 | Bodexpress | Chris Landeros | 30/1 |
Kentucky Derby predictions & picks
The result of the 2019 event left its immediate successor open to much interpretation.
A long-shot commanding moneyline prices of up to +6500, Country House (ridden by Flavien Prat) was awarded the win after the first horse to cross the line, Maximum Security, was adjudged to have cost War of Will and Long Range Todd a better placing, and subsequently disqualified.
Additionally, prior to the race, the morning line favorite Omaha Beach was scratched, while the highly-fancied Game Winner finished only fifth – just a quarter of a length ahead of the +5000 outsider Master Fencer.
A full list of predictions from a range of experts will be published here closer to the time of the 2020 event.
List of Kentucky Derby Winners – Horse – Jockey – Time
Year | Horse | Jockey | Time |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Country House | Flavien Prat | 2:03.93 |
2018 | Justify | Mike E. Smith | 2:04.20 |
2017 | Always Dreaming | John R. Velazquez | 2:03.59 |
2016 | Nyquist | Mario Gutierrez | 2:01:31 |
2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | 2:03.02 |
2014 | California Chrome | Victor Espinoza | 2:03.66 |
2013 | Orb | Joel Rosario | 2:02.89 |
2012 | I'll Have Another | Mario Gutierrez | 2:01.83 |
2011 | Animal Kingdom | John Velazquez | 2:02.04 |
2010 | Super Saver | Calvin Borel | 2:04.45 |
2009 | Mine That Bird | Calvin Borel | 2:02.66 |
2008 | Big Brown | Kent Desormeaux | 2:01.82 |
2007 | Street Sense | Calvin Borel | 2:02.17 |
2006 | Barbaro | Edgar Prado | 2:01.36 |
2005 | Giacomo | Mike Smith | 2:02.75 |
2004 | Smarty Jones | Stewart Elliot | 2:04.06 |
2003 | Funny Cide | José Santos | 2:01.19 |
2002 | War Emblem | Victor Espinoza | 2:01.13 |
2001 | Monarchos | Jorge Chavez | 1:59.97 |
2000 | Fusaichi Pegasus | Kent Desormeaux | 2:01 |
1999 | Charismatic | Chris Antley | 2:03.29 |
1998 | Real Quiet | Kent Desormeaux | 2:02 1/5 |
1997 | Silver Charm | Gary Stevens | 2:02 2/5 |
1996 | Grindstone | Jerry Bailey | 2:01 |
1995 | Thunder Gulch | Gary Stevens | 2:01 1/5 |
1994 | Go for a Gin | Chris McCarron | 2:03 3/5 |
1993 | Sea Hero | Jerry Bailey | 2:02 |
1992 | Lil E. Tee | Pat Day | 2:03 |
1991 | Strike the Gold | Chris Antley | 2:03 |
1990 | Unbridled | Craig Perret | 2:02 |
1989 | Sunday Silence | Patrick Valenzuela | 2:05 |
1988 | Winning Colors | Gary Stevens | 2:02 1/5 |
1987 | Alysheba | Chris McCarron | 2:03 |
1986 | Ferdinand | William Shoemaker | 2:02 4/5 |
1985 | Spend a Buck | Angel Cordero, Jr. | 2:00 1/5 |
1984 | Swale | Laffit Pincay, Jr. | 2:02 2/5 |
1983 | Sunny's Halo | Eddie Delahoussaye | 2:02 1/5 |
1982 | Gato Del Sol | Eddie Delahoussaye | 2:02 2/5 |
1981 | Pleasant Colony | Jorge Velasquez | 2:02 |
1980 | Genuine Risk | Jacinto Vasquez | 2:02 |
1979 | Spectacular Bid | Ronnie Franklin | 2:02 2/5 |
1978 | Affirmed | Steve Cauthen | 2:01 1/5 |
1977 | Seattle Slew | Jean Cruguet | 2:02 1/5 |
1976 | Bold Forbes | Angel Cordero, Jr. | 2:01 3/5 |
1975 | Foolish Pleasure | Jacinto Vasquez | 2:02 |
1974 | Cannonade | Angel Cordero, Jr. | 2:04 |
1973 | Secretariat | Ron Turcotte | 1:59 2/5 |
1973 | Riva Ridge | Ron Turcotte | 2:01 4/5 |
1971 | Canonero II | Gustavo Avila | 2:03 1/5 |
1970 | Dust Commander | Mike Manganello | 2:03 2/5 |
1969 | Majestic Prince | William Hartack | 2:01 4/5 |
1968 | Forward Pass | Ismael Valenzuela | 2:02 1/5 |
1967 | Proud Clarion | Robert Ussery | 2:00 3/5 |
1966 | Kauai King | Don Brumfield | 2:02 |
1965 | Lucky Debonair | William Shoemaker | 2:01 1/5 |
1964 | Northern Dancer | William Hartack | 2:00 |
1963 | Chateaugay | Braulio Baeza | 2:01 4/5 |
1962 | Decidedly | William Hartack | 2:00 2/5 |
1961 | Carry Back | John Sellers | 2:04 |
1960 | Venetian Way | William Hartack | 2:02 2/5 |
1959 | Tomy Lee | William Shoemaker | 2:02 1/5 |
1958 | Tim Tam | Ismael Valenzuela | 2:05 |
1957 | Iron Liege | William Hartack | 2:01 1/5 |
1956 | Needles | David Erb | 2:03 2/5 |
1955 | Swaps | William Shoemaker | 2:01 4/5 |
1954 | Determine | Raymond York | 2:03 |
1953 | Dark Star | Henry Moreno | 2:02 |
1952 | Hill Gail | Eddie Arcaro | 2:01 3/5 |
1951 | Count Turf | Conn McCreary | 2:02 3/5 |
1950 | Middleground | William Boland | 2:01 3/5 |
1949 | Ponder | Steve Brooks | 2:04 1/5 |
1948 | Citation | Eddie Arcaro | 2:05 2/5 |
1947 | Jet Pilot | Eric Guerin | 2:06 4/5 |
1946 | Assault | Warren Mehrtens | 2:06 3/5 |
1945 | Hoop Jr. | Eddie Arcaro | 2:07 |
1943 | Pensive | Conn McCreary | 2:04 1/5 |
1942 | Shut Out | Wayne D. Wright | 2:04 2/5 |
1941 | Whirlaway | Eddie Arcaro | 2:01 2/5 |
1940 | Gallahadion | Carroll Bierman | 2:05 |
1939 | Johnstown | James Stout | 2:03 2/5 |
1938 | Lawrin | Eddie Arcaro | 2:04 4/5 |
1937 | War Admiral | Charle Kurtsinger | 2:03 1/5 |
1936 | Bold Venture | Ira Hanford | 2:03 3/5 |
1935 | Omaha | William Saunders | 2:05 |
1934 | Cavalcade | Mack Garner | 2:04 |
1933 | Brokers Tip | Don Meade | 2:06 4/5 |
1932 | Burgoo King | Basil James | 2:05 1/5 |
1931 | Twenty Grand | Charle Kurtsinger | 2:01 4/5 |
1930 | Gallant Fox | Earl Sande | 2:07 3/5 |
1929 | Clyde Van Dusen | Linus McAtee | 2:10 4/5 |
1928 | Reigh Count | Charle Lang | 2:10 2/5 |
1927 | Whiskery | Linus McAtee | 2:06 |
1926 | Bubbling Over | Albert Johnson | 2:03 4/5 |
1925 | Flying Ebone | Earl Sande | 2:07 3/5 |
1924 | Black Gold | John D. Mooney | 2:05 1/5 |
1923 | Zev | Earl Sande | 2:05 2/5 |
1922 | Morvich | Albert Johnson | 2:04 3/5 |
1921 | Behave Yourself | Charles Thompson | 2:04 1/5 |
1920 | Paul Jones | Ted Rice | 2:09 |
1919 | Sir Barton | John Loftus | 2:09 4/5 |
1918 | Exterminator | William Knapp | 2:10 4/5 |
1917 | Omar Khayyam | Charles | 2:04 3/5 |
1916 | George Smith | John Loftus | 2:04 |
1915 | Regret | Joe Notter | 2:05 |
1914 | Old Rosebud | John McCabe | 2:03 2/5 |
1913 | Donerail | Roscoe Goose | 2:04 4/5 |
1912 | Worth | Carroll Hugh Shilling | 2:09 2/5 |
1911 | Meridian | George Archibald | 2:05 |
1910 | Donau | George Ham | 2:06 2/5 |
1909 | Wintergreen | Vincent Powers | 2:08 1/5 |
1908 | Stone Street | Arthur Pickens | 2:15 1/5 |
1907 | Pink Street | Andy Minder | 2:12 3/5 |
1906 | Sir Huon | Roscoe Troxler | 2:08 4/5 |
1905 | Agile | Jack Martin | 2:10 3/4 |
1904 | Elwood | Frank Prior | 2:08 1/2 |
1903 | Judge Himes | Harold Booker | 2:09 |
1902 | Alan-a-Dale | Jimmy Winkfield | 2:08 3/4 |
1901 | His Eminence | Jimmy Winkfield | 2:07 3/4 |
1900 | Lieut. Gibson | Jimmy Boland | 2:06 1/2 |
1899 | Manuel | Fred Taral | 2:12 |
1898 | Plaudit | Willie Simms | 2:09 |
1897 | Typhoon II | Buttons Garner | 2:12 1/2 |
1896 | Ben Brush | Willie Simms | 2:07 3/4 |
1895 | Helma | Soup Perkins | 2:37 1/2 |
1894 | Chant | Frank Goodale | 2:41 |
1893 | Lookout | Eddie Kunze | 2:39 1/4 |
1892 | Azra | Alonzo Clayton | 2:41 1/2 |
1891 | Kingman | Isaac Murphy | 2:52 1/4 |
1890 | Riley | Isaac Murph | 2:45 |
1889 | Spokane | Thomas Kiley | 2:34 1/2 |
1888 | Macbeth II | George Covington | 2:38 1/4 |
1887 | Montrose | Isaac Lewis | 2:39 1/4 |
1886 | Ben Ali | Paul Duffy | 2:36 1/2 |
1885 | Joe Cotton | Erkine Henderson | 2:37 1/4 |
1884 | Bechanan | Isaac Murphy | 2:40 1/4 |
1883 | Leonatus | William Donohue | 2:43 |
1882 | Apollo | Babe Hurd | 2:40 1/4 |
1881 | Hindoo | James McLaughlin | 2:40 |
1880 | Fonso | George Garret Lewis | 2:37 1/2 |
1879 | Lord Murphey | Charlie Shauer | 2:37 |
1878 | Day Star | Jimmy Carter | 2:37 1/4 |
1876 | Baden-Baden | William Walker | 2:38 |
1875 | Vagrant | Bobby Swim | 2:38 1/4 |
1874 | Aristrides | Oliver Lewis | 2:37 3/4 |
The KentuckyDerby is one of the most well-established and popular horse races in the US. If there was any race that best exemplified the stakes and excitement of betting, then this race is absolutely it.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the few horse races around the world that can attract casual fans and seasoned veterans alike. Even people who don't usually care about horse racing, can't help but feel the excitement in the air when the mint juleps come out.
Horse race betting is known as the 'Sport of Kings' to hardcore fans and industry veterans.
However, no horse race generates more wagers and bets than the Kentucky Derby. Everybody's got a horse that they want to bet on, with those who usually don't look twice at horse races likely to have a flutter come post-time.
With the internet helping to spread the news and excitement worldwide, attendance and interest in the Kentucky Derby have never been higher.
These days, millions of people watch 'the most exciting two minutes in sports' unfold on the track every year.
For anybody interested in hitting it big on the next TripleCrown winner, the time has never been better to cast a bet on the Derby.
Helping you along the way, our handy guide below is going to run you through the ins and outs of America's most famous horse race.
Best betting sites for the Kentucky Derby
Betting on horse racing has traditionally been an in-person activity.
You know the deal: You walk up to a counter, hand over your betting slip and, hopefully, come back and collect your winnings soon after.
Fortunately, the internet has made it so that you don't have to trek hundreds of miles to place your bets anymore. Plenty of great horse racing websites will allow you to watch the biggest races and cast your bets remotely.
Also, they will provide the information you need to win big. The following contains how you can watch the races and place your wagers.
Betting at Teller
For those fortunate enough to be at the Kentucky Derby, tellers can accommodate any type of bet. Bettors need only state the name of the track, the race number (e.g. fifth, sixth etc), the wager amount, the type of wager and the horse (or horses) to be backed. Calculations, and potential payouts, are instant.
Off Track Betting
Off-track betting (OTB) involves the bettor placing a wager, in person, on a horse racing event away from the ground. Visiting an OTB parlor enables offline wagering with physical tender, with odds and hot tips that may be unavailable online.
Is it legal to bet on the Kentucky Derby in the United States?
Although it is not yet legal across the entire country, betting on horse racing is legal in a much wider range of states compared to sports betting. This makes the Kentucky Derby perhaps not only the most wagered-on event in horse racing, but also – potentially – the biggest betting draw of any American-based sporting event.
US horse betting laws vary state by state, with four being current focal points for horse racing.
- New Jersey: Atlantic City has been a powerhouse of betting, but with online gambling legalized in November 2013, NJ's existing reputation as a liberal mecca for gambling was redoubled. OTB parlors have been available in NJ since 2007, and there are currently five active parlors in the state. Derby fans can get in on the action via one of the many legal betting sites in NJ including Caesars, Harrah's and Sugarhouse. New Jersey bettors can bet on the Kentucky Derby at TVG or Twinspires.
- Pennsylvania: Wagering on harness and thoroughbred horse racing events has been legal in PA since the 1960s. With a rich history of wagering on horse racing, the state of PA has a number of sites where it is possible to bet on the Breeders' Cup. OTB parlors that deal exclusively in thoroughbred events can currently be found in Grantville, Bensalem and Erie. Like NJ, there are a number of PA online sportsbooks, however, you'll need to choose from a legal racing site to bet on the Kentucky Derby. This includes TVG, BetAmerica or TwinSpires.
- West Virginia: OTB opportunities are less plentiful on WV compared to PA and NJ. However, off-track Kentucky Derby betting is possible at two locations, namely the Sportsbook parlors at Hollywood Casino (at Charles Town Races) and the Mountaineer Casino Racetrack in Chester.
Indiana
While people in Indiana can go online and wager on horse races, the penalties for going online to actively seek illegal or unlicensed wagering opportunities are potentially harsh. This makes the presence of OTB locations in Indiana all the more convenient.
As in WV, there are currently two OTB locations: Hoosier Park in Anderson and the Indiana Downs Racetrack in Shelbyville.
Legal betting options in the US
Bettors in states that allow betting on horse racing online have access to a number of options.
TVG
Formed in 1993, TVG is seen by many as the leading authority when it comes to online betting on thoroughbred events like the Kentucky Derby. Anyone with a TVG account has access to an ever-growing number of tracks (currently 150+), both in the United States and the rest of the world.
TVG endeavors to offer bettors the same value of bets that they would find at an OTB parlor, or a teller station at a racetrack, and the value is guaranteed by the fact that the online bettor's money is pooled together with the wagers of those at the track itself.
BetAmerica
For those who live in a state that allows the full range of sports betting opportunities, BetAmerica is an extremely popular choice, with the site making every effort to provide advice for bettors of all experience levels. Its mobile app also has an excellent reputation, and though any newcomers seeking a special offer will need to contend with wagering requirements, this is nothing out of the ordinary.
For those seeking particularly impressive value for their custom, the final weekend of every October is unmissable.
Twin Spires
Operated by Churchill Downs racetrack (active since 1875), races on Twin Spires cover Europe, Africa, western Asia and Oceania as well as North America. The list of upcoming races is easy to navigate, and once the bet is placed, the race can be streamed in real time for added drama and excitement.
One of Twin Spires' most intriguing features is the range of interfaces that are available year-round.
TwinSpires TV is the tool that enables the viewing of races in real time, with viewers able to switch between the wagering page and the live stream across separate windows/tabs. In the TV interface, priority is given to the live stream, with the wagering page put inside a smaller separate window.
Users can also use the Express & Pro interface, where the wagering page is instead displayed with more prominence than the live feed. This is best-suited for those in the betting profession, including traders, with this interface showing a news feed along with other elements such as an advanced race program.
Meanwhile, the Classic interface blends both parts of the live experience equally, with handicapping tools and betting pools taking priority over the full range of online facilities typically used by experienced horse racing professionals.
Legal betting options in the UK
The culture of horse racing in the UK extends back in excess of 1,800 years, and media coverage of the main events on the calendar is extensive. Amongst that number are the Aintree Grand National, Royal Ascot and the Cheltenham Festival, which are the most reliable generators of online betting traffic for horse racing in the UK.
bet365 summary
Both as a desktop interface, and a betting mobile app in more recent years, bet365 has a long-standing reputation as a staple of wagering on horse races across the globe.
In terms of percentage, payouts are consistently in the high 80s to mid-90s, with an average of just over 90% as of July 2019. On top of wagering opportunities that cover over 200 venues, live streaming of races in the UK and Ireland is also available, but that is subject to a minimum bet value per race.
The mobile app also allows accumulator selections to be modified or erased up until the start of the race.
Betway summary
With similarly generous average payouts, Betway also enjoys a sterling reputation. Though it only launched in 2006, the brand has risen through the ranks, and now has 2m+ users (and counting) across Europe.
A huge part of Betway's competitive edge is the HorseFinder tool, which enables users to get the best odds possible – particularly for horses that are underrated. That, combined with the notably-generous welcome offer, makes Betway a much sought-after source of good value for betting on horse races.
Legal betting options in Canada
It is legal to bet on the Kentucky Derby in Canada, and the event attracts a remarkable amount of interest for a non-US audience.
As a native brand, Sports Interaction is naturally seen as the market leader in Canada for betting on the Kentucky Derby, with a $200 free bonus, accompanying a five-star rating on several respected comparison sites across Canada.
Types of bets
The horse racing industry is reliant on offering a wide range of betting options in order to stay commercially successful and economically profitable. The main types of bet for thoroughbred race events are:
Single bet
The most common type of wager is a single bet ‘on the nose', where a horse must win outright to enable a payout.
‘Place only' bet
Place bets require a horse to finish a certain distance up the final classification list after the race ends. How high the horse must finish to yield a payout depends on the number of runners:
- <5 runners – 1st (see ‘Single bet')
- 5-7 – 1st or 2nd (odds/payout reduced by 75%)
- >8 – 1st/2nd/3rd (odds/payout reduced by 80%)
- Handicap (12-15 runners) – 1st/2nd/3rd (odds/payout reduced by 75%)
- Handicap (>15 runners) – 1st/2nd/3rd/4th (odds/payout reduced by 75%)
Each-way bet
Half of the stake goes on a horse to win, while the other half is wagered on a horse to be ‘placed'. The stake amount is doubled, but if the horse wins, then both of the potential payout amounts – for the win and the place – are awarded together along with the returned stake.
Accumulator / Multiple bet
Accumulators are bets on multiple horses, with all needing to prevail (be that by means of a win or merely a placing) for a winning bet.
Doubles (two horses), Trebles (three) and Four-fold are the most popular types of multiple bet. Although there is no limit on how many horses can be included, all online bookmakers will have a winnings cap, or an alternative means by which they can protect themselves from astronomic payouts (i.e 7 or 8+ figures) on accumulators.
There are also other types of multiple bet, in which not all of the selections must prevail for a payout. The only catch is that the stake is automatically multiplied by the number of possible ‘winning lines'. They have unique names, and stipulations, as follows:
- Trixie (Each-way Trixie)
Min. 2/3 selections must prevail | Stake multiplier/Winning lines: x4 (x8)
- Patent
2/3 selections | Stake multiplier: x7
- Yankee
2/4 selections | Stake multiplier: x11
- Lucky 15
1/4 selections | Stake multiplier: x15
- Lucky 31
1/5 selections | Stake multiplier: x31
- Lucky 63
1/6 selections | Stake multiplier: x63
- Goliath
2/8 selections | Stake multiplier: x247
Exacta / Forecast
A bet on the exact finishing order of the top two horses. This differs from Quinella / Reverse Forecast, where the top two must match the prediction, but in any order.
Jackpot bets
The bravest of bettors will entertain the idea of placing a jackpot bet. Simply put, this involves the selection of the first six winners of the day at any track. Winnings can be life-changing, but there is an easier version, called a ‘Placepot' bet, which involves betting on the first six horses to ‘place' on a track day.
Kentucky Derby odds
The odds for the Kentucky Derby have plenty of room for fluctuation between now and the start on May 2, 2020 at Churchill Downs. These are the odds as they currently stand:
The 2020 Kentucky derby odds will be posted here once the odds are released. The table below outlines the 2019 odds at post.
Post | Horse | Jockey | Odds |
---|---|---|---|
1 | War of Will | Tyler Gaffalione | 15/1 |
2 | Tax | Junior Alvarado | 20/1 |
3 | By My Standards | Gabriel Saez | 15/1 |
4 | Gray Magician | Drayden Van Dyke | 50/1 |
5 | Improbable | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 5/1 |
6 | Vekoma | Javier Castellano | 15/1 |
7 | Maximum Security | Luis Saez | 8/1 |
8 | Tacitus | Jose Ortiz | 8/1 |
9 | Plus Que Parfait | Ricardo Santana Jr. | 30/1 |
10 | Cutting Humor | Corey Lanerie | 30/1 |
11 | Haikal | Rajiv Maragh | 30/1 |
12 | Code of Honor | John Velazquez | 12/1 |
13 | Win Win Win | Julian Pimentel | 12/1 |
14 | Master Fencer | Julien Leparoux | 50/1 |
15 | Game Winner | Joel Rosario | 9/2 |
16 | Roadster | Florent Geroux | 5/1 |
17 | Long Range Toddy | Jon Court | 30/1 |
18 | Spinoff | Manny Franco | 30/1 |
19 | Country House | Flavien Prat | 30/1 |
20 | Bodexpress | Chris Landeros | 30/1 |
Kentucky Derby predictions & picks
The result of the 2019 event left its immediate successor open to much interpretation.
A long-shot commanding moneyline prices of up to +6500, Country House (ridden by Flavien Prat) was awarded the win after the first horse to cross the line, Maximum Security, was adjudged to have cost War of Will and Long Range Todd a better placing, and subsequently disqualified.
Additionally, prior to the race, the morning line favorite Omaha Beach was scratched, while the highly-fancied Game Winner finished only fifth – just a quarter of a length ahead of the +5000 outsider Master Fencer.
A full list of predictions from a range of experts will be published here closer to the time of the 2020 event.
List of Kentucky Derby Winners – Horse – Jockey – Time
Year | Horse | Jockey | Time |
---|---|---|---|
2019 | Country House | Flavien Prat | 2:03.93 |
2018 | Justify | Mike E. Smith | 2:04.20 |
2017 | Always Dreaming | John R. Velazquez | 2:03.59 |
2016 | Nyquist | Mario Gutierrez | 2:01:31 |
2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza | 2:03.02 |
2014 | California Chrome | Victor Espinoza | 2:03.66 |
2013 | Orb | Joel Rosario | 2:02.89 |
2012 | I'll Have Another | Mario Gutierrez | 2:01.83 |
2011 | Animal Kingdom | John Velazquez | 2:02.04 |
2010 | Super Saver | Calvin Borel | 2:04.45 |
2009 | Mine That Bird | Calvin Borel | 2:02.66 |
2008 | Big Brown | Kent Desormeaux | 2:01.82 |
2007 | Street Sense | Calvin Borel | 2:02.17 |
2006 | Barbaro | Edgar Prado | 2:01.36 |
2005 | Giacomo | Mike Smith | 2:02.75 |
2004 | Smarty Jones | Stewart Elliot | 2:04.06 |
2003 | Funny Cide | José Santos | 2:01.19 |
2002 | War Emblem | Victor Espinoza | 2:01.13 |
2001 | Monarchos | Jorge Chavez | 1:59.97 |
2000 | Fusaichi Pegasus | Kent Desormeaux | 2:01 |
1999 | Charismatic | Chris Antley | 2:03.29 |
1998 | Real Quiet | Kent Desormeaux | 2:02 1/5 |
1997 | Silver Charm | Gary Stevens | 2:02 2/5 |
1996 | Grindstone | Jerry Bailey | 2:01 |
1995 | Thunder Gulch | Gary Stevens | 2:01 1/5 |
1994 | Go for a Gin | Chris McCarron | 2:03 3/5 |
1993 | Sea Hero | Jerry Bailey | 2:02 |
1992 | Lil E. Tee | Pat Day | 2:03 |
1991 | Strike the Gold | Chris Antley | 2:03 |
1990 | Unbridled | Craig Perret | 2:02 |
1989 | Sunday Silence | Patrick Valenzuela | 2:05 |
1988 | Winning Colors | Gary Stevens | 2:02 1/5 |
1987 | Alysheba | Chris McCarron | 2:03 |
1986 | Ferdinand | William Shoemaker | 2:02 4/5 |
1985 | Spend a Buck | Angel Cordero, Jr. | 2:00 1/5 |
1984 | Swale | Laffit Pincay, Jr. | 2:02 2/5 |
1983 | Sunny's Halo | Eddie Delahoussaye | 2:02 1/5 |
1982 | Gato Del Sol | Eddie Delahoussaye | 2:02 2/5 |
1981 | Pleasant Colony | Jorge Velasquez | 2:02 |
1980 | Genuine Risk | Jacinto Vasquez | 2:02 |
1979 | Spectacular Bid | Ronnie Franklin | 2:02 2/5 |
1978 | Affirmed | Steve Cauthen | 2:01 1/5 |
1977 | Seattle Slew | Jean Cruguet | 2:02 1/5 |
1976 | Bold Forbes | Angel Cordero, Jr. | 2:01 3/5 |
1975 | Foolish Pleasure | Jacinto Vasquez | 2:02 |
1974 | Cannonade | Angel Cordero, Jr. | 2:04 |
1973 | Secretariat | Ron Turcotte | 1:59 2/5 |
1973 | Riva Ridge | Ron Turcotte | 2:01 4/5 |
1971 | Canonero II | Gustavo Avila | 2:03 1/5 |
1970 | Dust Commander | Mike Manganello | 2:03 2/5 |
1969 | Majestic Prince | William Hartack | 2:01 4/5 |
1968 | Forward Pass | Ismael Valenzuela | 2:02 1/5 |
1967 | Proud Clarion | Robert Ussery | 2:00 3/5 |
1966 | Kauai King | Don Brumfield | 2:02 |
1965 | Lucky Debonair | William Shoemaker | 2:01 1/5 |
1964 | Northern Dancer | William Hartack | 2:00 |
1963 | Chateaugay | Braulio Baeza | 2:01 4/5 |
1962 | Decidedly | William Hartack | 2:00 2/5 |
1961 | Carry Back | John Sellers | 2:04 |
1960 | Venetian Way | William Hartack | 2:02 2/5 |
1959 | Tomy Lee | William Shoemaker | 2:02 1/5 |
1958 | Tim Tam | Ismael Valenzuela | 2:05 |
1957 | Iron Liege | William Hartack | 2:01 1/5 |
1956 | Needles | David Erb | 2:03 2/5 |
1955 | Swaps | William Shoemaker | 2:01 4/5 |
1954 | Determine | Raymond York | 2:03 |
1953 | Dark Star | Henry Moreno | 2:02 |
1952 | Hill Gail | Eddie Arcaro | 2:01 3/5 |
1951 | Count Turf | Conn McCreary | 2:02 3/5 |
1950 | Middleground | William Boland | 2:01 3/5 |
1949 | Ponder | Steve Brooks | 2:04 1/5 |
1948 | Citation | Eddie Arcaro | 2:05 2/5 |
1947 | Jet Pilot | Eric Guerin | 2:06 4/5 |
1946 | Assault | Warren Mehrtens | 2:06 3/5 |
1945 | Hoop Jr. | Eddie Arcaro | 2:07 |
1943 | Pensive | Conn McCreary | 2:04 1/5 |
1942 | Shut Out | Wayne D. Wright | 2:04 2/5 |
1941 | Whirlaway | Eddie Arcaro | 2:01 2/5 |
1940 | Gallahadion | Carroll Bierman | 2:05 |
1939 | Johnstown | James Stout | 2:03 2/5 |
1938 | Lawrin | Eddie Arcaro | 2:04 4/5 |
1937 | War Admiral | Charle Kurtsinger | 2:03 1/5 |
1936 | Bold Venture | Ira Hanford | 2:03 3/5 |
1935 | Omaha | William Saunders | 2:05 |
1934 | Cavalcade | Mack Garner | 2:04 |
1933 | Brokers Tip | Don Meade | 2:06 4/5 |
1932 | Burgoo King | Basil James | 2:05 1/5 |
1931 | Twenty Grand | Charle Kurtsinger | 2:01 4/5 |
1930 | Gallant Fox | Earl Sande | 2:07 3/5 |
1929 | Clyde Van Dusen | Linus McAtee | 2:10 4/5 |
1928 | Reigh Count | Charle Lang | 2:10 2/5 |
1927 | Whiskery | Linus McAtee | 2:06 |
1926 | Bubbling Over | Albert Johnson | 2:03 4/5 |
1925 | Flying Ebone | Earl Sande | 2:07 3/5 |
1924 | Black Gold | John D. Mooney | 2:05 1/5 |
1923 | Zev | Earl Sande | 2:05 2/5 |
1922 | Morvich | Albert Johnson | 2:04 3/5 |
1921 | Behave Yourself | Charles Thompson | 2:04 1/5 |
1920 | Paul Jones | Ted Rice | 2:09 |
1919 | Sir Barton | John Loftus | 2:09 4/5 |
1918 | Exterminator | William Knapp | 2:10 4/5 |
1917 | Omar Khayyam | Charles | 2:04 3/5 |
1916 | George Smith | John Loftus | 2:04 |
1915 | Regret | Joe Notter | 2:05 |
1914 | Old Rosebud | John McCabe | 2:03 2/5 |
1913 | Donerail | Roscoe Goose | 2:04 4/5 |
1912 | Worth | Carroll Hugh Shilling | 2:09 2/5 |
1911 | Meridian | George Archibald | 2:05 |
1910 | Donau | George Ham | 2:06 2/5 |
1909 | Wintergreen | Vincent Powers | 2:08 1/5 |
1908 | Stone Street | Arthur Pickens | 2:15 1/5 |
1907 | Pink Street | Andy Minder | 2:12 3/5 |
1906 | Sir Huon | Roscoe Troxler | 2:08 4/5 |
1905 | Agile | Jack Martin | 2:10 3/4 |
1904 | Elwood | Frank Prior | 2:08 1/2 |
1903 | Judge Himes | Harold Booker | 2:09 |
1902 | Alan-a-Dale | Jimmy Winkfield | 2:08 3/4 |
1901 | His Eminence | Jimmy Winkfield | 2:07 3/4 |
1900 | Lieut. Gibson | Jimmy Boland | 2:06 1/2 |
1899 | Manuel | Fred Taral | 2:12 |
1898 | Plaudit | Willie Simms | 2:09 |
1897 | Typhoon II | Buttons Garner | 2:12 1/2 |
1896 | Ben Brush | Willie Simms | 2:07 3/4 |
1895 | Helma | Soup Perkins | 2:37 1/2 |
1894 | Chant | Frank Goodale | 2:41 |
1893 | Lookout | Eddie Kunze | 2:39 1/4 |
1892 | Azra | Alonzo Clayton | 2:41 1/2 |
1891 | Kingman | Isaac Murphy | 2:52 1/4 |
1890 | Riley | Isaac Murph | 2:45 |
1889 | Spokane | Thomas Kiley | 2:34 1/2 |
1888 | Macbeth II | George Covington | 2:38 1/4 |
1887 | Montrose | Isaac Lewis | 2:39 1/4 |
1886 | Ben Ali | Paul Duffy | 2:36 1/2 |
1885 | Joe Cotton | Erkine Henderson | 2:37 1/4 |
1884 | Bechanan | Isaac Murphy | 2:40 1/4 |
1883 | Leonatus | William Donohue | 2:43 |
1882 | Apollo | Babe Hurd | 2:40 1/4 |
1881 | Hindoo | James McLaughlin | 2:40 |
1880 | Fonso | George Garret Lewis | 2:37 1/2 |
1879 | Lord Murphey | Charlie Shauer | 2:37 |
1878 | Day Star | Jimmy Carter | 2:37 1/4 |
1876 | Baden-Baden | William Walker | 2:38 |
1875 | Vagrant | Bobby Swim | 2:38 1/4 |
1874 | Aristrides | Oliver Lewis | 2:37 3/4 |
The KentuckyDerby is one of the most well-established and popular horse races in the US. If there was any race that best exemplified the stakes and excitement of betting, then this race is absolutely it.
The Kentucky Derby is one of the few horse races around the world that can attract casual fans and seasoned veterans alike. Even people who don't usually care about horse racing, can't help but feel the excitement in the air when the mint juleps come out.
Horse race betting is known as the 'Sport of Kings' to hardcore fans and industry veterans.
However, no horse race generates more wagers and bets than the Kentucky Derby. Everybody's got a horse that they want to bet on, with those who usually don't look twice at horse races likely to have a flutter come post-time.
With the internet helping to spread the news and excitement worldwide, attendance and interest in the Kentucky Derby have never been higher.
These days, millions of people watch 'the most exciting two minutes in sports' unfold on the track every year.
For anybody interested in hitting it big on the next TripleCrown winner, the time has never been better to cast a bet on the Derby.
Helping you along the way, our handy guide below is going to run you through the ins and outs of America's most famous horse race.
Best betting sites for the Kentucky Derby
Betting on horse racing has traditionally been an in-person activity.
You know the deal: You walk up to a counter, hand over your betting slip and, hopefully, come back and collect your winnings soon after.
Fortunately, the internet has made it so that you don't have to trek hundreds of miles to place your bets anymore. Plenty of great horse racing websites will allow you to watch the biggest races and cast your bets remotely.
Also, they will provide the information you need to win big. The following contains how you can watch the races and place your wagers.
The Kentucky Derby is not the only race you can do this. In fact, hundreds of tracks from around the world can be spectated and bet upon throughout the year. These sites are subsequently designed so that even novice and first-time bettors can easily get involved in the excitement.
Sign up, collect any bonuses along the way and you're good to go.
It is essential to check the gambling laws in your state before you place bets. Not all states allow people to place online bets on horse races, or to gamble at off-track facilities (OTB).
But, once you know that, you can dive right in and start playing the ponies.
How to bet on the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is certainly a big-time horse race. So, it's only right that you have a few ways to get in on the betting action.
Online betting
Gambling laws vary from one state to the next, but betting on horse races is legal in the vast majority of the US.
Meanwhile, it's totally legal across Canada and the UnitedKingdom. This aspect is primarily true of online gambling as well, which is typically subject to similar scrutiny.
Online gambling seems like a brand-new activity. Nevertheless, it is merely a different method of doing what has been done for thousands of years. Moving with the times, betting on horse racing has galloped online and never looked back.
Thank your lucky stars.
After all, the best online betting sites out there mean you no longer have to travel to the racetrack to place bets. It can be done right in the comfort of your home, all with real money.
There are thousands of sites to choose from, too. Therefore, make sure to be discerning when deciding where to gamble your hard-earned money. Furthermore, the odds change as fast as the jockeys, so keep your eyes peeled.
Betting at the teller
Of course, there's nothing wrong with going to the track to place your bets.
Sure, you can still feel the excitement of gambling your money at home, but it doesn't give you the thrill of watching the action unfold — even if it's a hassle to get there.
If you haven't spoken to a teller before, then here's what you need to do to place your bet competently.
Describe your bet to the teller in this order:
- The racetrack.
- The racenumber (If you are placing a bet on a different track than the one you are currently visiting.)
- The amount you are betting.
- What specific kind of wager you are placing.
- The program number of the horse you're betting on.
One example of this would be, 'Kentucky Derby, Race One, $30 to win on No. 3.'
After this, you'll receive a ticket. Be sure to hold on to this ticket because if you win, you'll need to claim your prize in-person.
Off track betting
Off-track betting (OTB) is an option if you aren't able to make it to the location, but want to place bets in a physical faction and feel the thrill of being surrounded by fellow punters.
Off-track locations are functionally the same as on-track locations and provide the same risk, reward and rush.
A typical example of OTBs is within a casino, the likes of which you'll find on the Las Vegas Strip.
The same setup applies, too: Stroll up to the teller, tell them your bet and then wait for the result of the race.
There's always excitement to be had and fortunes to be made, regardless of whether you decide to bet from the comfort of your home or at a major horse racing field.
Read on to discover all the information you need to place your bets and win big.
Is it legal to bet on the Kentucky Derby?
Of course. Betting on horse races is entirely legal in the US, in a similar fashion to how it's legal in Canada and the UK.
The Interstate Horse Racing Act of 1978 was passed under presidentJimmyCarter. So, this means that at the federal level, horse betting isn't illegal.
Revisions to the law in 2006 were designed so that the horse betting industry was left alone.
The states are allowed to decide if they want to offer horse betting or not. Currently, 41statesallow people to bet on horse races in some way, with different levels of leeway and access.
In the meantime, more states are relaxing rules related to horse racing betting.
Types of bets you can place on the Kentucky Derby
The most popular option for gamblers is to wager on the 'holytrifecta' of horse racing: win, place and show.
Some enjoy shaking things up and placing bets on more unusual pools.
Popular choices include exacta (first two placings), trifecta (first three placings), superfecta (first four placings) and super high five (first five placings).
The odds of winning these pools are much lower. However, this also means that the potential wins from these pools are significantly higher than for traditional wagers — more risk, more reward, as the old saying goes.
The following list contains more details on the type of wagers you can make when slapping down a bet on the Derby:
- Win: Place a wager on the horse you think is going to finish first in the race.
- Place: You place a wager on a horse, and win its place price if it finished first or second.
- Show: Bet upon the horse that you think will finish third place or better (fourth or even fifth or better if you can find the right bookie). This wager carries the lowest level of risk, which means that your winnings will be smaller.
- Exacta: Determine the first two placing horses in the correct order.
- Trifecta: Determine the first three placing horses in the correct order.
- Superfecta: Determine the first four placing horses in the correct order.
- Super High Five: Determine the first five placing horses in the correct order. This bet carries the highest possible win ratio, as well as the lowest chance of winning.
An example bet
Here is an example of how these wagers will pay out.
Back in 2017, the horse AlwaysDreaming was the favorite to win the Kentucky Derby. He had 9:2 odds to win and paid $11.40 on a $2 wager.
If a 33:1 longshot horse were to finish second, a $2 exacta payoff would net a return of $336.
A 40:1 longshot finishing third would yield a trifectapayoff of $16,594.
A superfecta payout would jump even higher to a dizzying amount of $151,949. As you can see, increasing the number of horses you bet on exponentially multiplies the chances of racking up a massive payday.
The majority of websites and racetracks will accept wagers of under $2 on exotic pools, due to their low odds of winning.
A typical example is being able to place a $1 exacta bet, or even a 50-cent trifecta bet. This bet is useful for gamblers who want to minimize their risk or don't have a lot of money to spend.
And, as you can see, even small bets placed on these pools can yield colossal returns. In other words, you don't need to bet big to walk away with stacks of cash.
There are several important factors to consider when it comes to betting on horse races. These include the race, field, what type of bet to make, your budget and most importantly, your appetite for risk.
Kentucky Derby Futures
You don't have to wait until May to bet on the Kentucky Derby. There are seven opportunities to place a Kentucky Derby futures bet. This type of bet is essentially predicting which horse will make it to the Kentucky Derby starting gate. You should get a better price than betting on the actual event itself, since its not known whether or not that horse will actually make it.
2020 Kentucky Derby Future Wager Dates
November 28-December 1, 2019 (CLOSED)
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 1
November 28-December 1, 2019 (CLOSED)
Kentucky Derby Sire Wager
February 7-9, 2020
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2
March 6-8, 2020
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3
March 6-8, 2020
Kentucky Oaks Future Wager Pool 1
March 6-8, 2020
Kentucky Oaks/Derby Double Future Wager
April 3-5, 2020
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4
Kentucky Derby odds
The Kentucky Derby is the most ferocious and hotly contested event on the horse racing calendar. Some years it's too close to call, and other years, a favorite breaks away from the pack.
Either way, thrills and spills are guaranteed.
If you have your eye on this year's field, here's a look at the runners and riders, along with the odds you'll get for backing them.
Past winners of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is a horse race steeped in glamour and tradition.
If you asked Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr. what would become of his first horse races, he would not believe that the Kentucky Derby would grow to become a national phenomenon.
Ever since its establishment in 1875, the racetrack known as ChurchillDowns has become the go-to for the nation's most exciting horse race.
The Kentucky Derby is known as 'the most exciting two minutes in sports' to aficionados around the world.
A vital part of the Derby's persistent success is its remarkable consistency over the years. The Kentucky Derby has never failed to hold a race each year, even during the GreatDepression and World Wars I and II.
For a long time, the Derby was its self-contained race. But in the 1920s, it was merged as part of a larger group.
It joined the Preakness and Belmont Stakes races to produce what is known as the TripleCrown, the most prestigious award for any 3-year-old racehorse to win.
More than 140 horses have won the Kentucky Derby since its inceptions.
Meanwhile, many more people have gotten rich betting on them. How many winners can you name?
‘The road to the Kentucky Derby'
In order to qualify for the KY Derby, each horse must participate in what is known as 'The Road to the Kentucky Derby.'
This 'road' is a set of 45 races that take place around the world.
Horses receive points based upon the position in which they finish. The top 20 horses at the end of the races are subsequently awarded a spot in the Kentucky Derby.
The purse size for the Derby is a cool $2 million, with the vast majority going to the winner.
Per tradition, the Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May. The stadium at Churchill Downs is capable of holding tens of thousands of people. Needless to say, millions more will be watching from around the world.
Since the creation of the Triple Crown a hundred years ago, the Kentucky Derby is the first of the three major horse races. The PreaknessStakes is second, and the BelmontStakes is last.
Kentucky Derby Betting Online
It's safe to say, of all three races the Kentucky Derby takes top billing. However, horses and jockeys need to be made of stern stuff even to make it to the starting gate.
After all, 'the road to the Kentucky Derby' isn't afraid to throw down the gauntlet.
How the Kentucky Derby runs
The Kentucky Derby is presented by WoodfordReserve, which is a regional maker of bourbon whiskey. Like other major races, a big-name sponsor is a must.
The Kentucky Derby is a Grade 1 race exclusively for 3-year-old thoroughbred horses. The track is exactly 1.25 miles long, and the race is run at the Churchill Downs Racetrack located in Louisville, KY.
Colts and geldings are limited to carrying 126 pounds of weight, and fillies are limited to 121 pounds. This is done to ensure that the conditions that the horses race under are relatively consistent.
Twenty horses compete on the track at any given time. That's considerably higher than the eight that race on a typical horse track.
How to watch the Kentucky Derby on TV or via live stream
The next Kentucky Derby will be May 2, 2020, with more than 20 million people expected to watch from around the world. Additional races, such as the KentuckyOaks, will also be broadcast online.
NBCSports is typically the best channel to view these events on, due to the comprehensive level of coverage it offers to American audiences.
The NBC Sports Live app is also a good option if you are viewing the races on a mobile device. Fortunately, you don't have to miss the Kentucky Derby even if you're on the go.
Hardcore fans (or anyone that wants to get the edge on rival punters) might also be interested in viewing the Kentucky Derby Contender workouts for the qualifying thoroughbreds.
This is broadcast daily in the months preceding the Derby. You can watch these broadcasts through the official Kentucky Derby Twitter and Facebook accounts or rebroadcasts. You can't bet on these, but you can get a good feel for which horses will win come race time.
History of the Kentucky Derby
Horse racing has been a part of the American consciousness since shortly after the Revolutionary era.
In the late 1700s, horse racetracks were constructed around Louisville, which was a small town of only 200 people. These tracks did not host the professional races we know today, and primarily catered to local audiences.
It wasn't until the 1870s that the racing organizations of today would be formed.
Humble origins in the 1870s
In 1872, Lewis Clark traveled to England to witness the EpsomDerby, a famous horse race that had been held yearly since the year 1780.
After being impressed with what he saw, he traveled to Paris. Here, seven years earlier, the French Jockey Club had organized the first Grand Prix de Paris, which would later develop into the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe. From this point on, it's clear that Clark was inspired to create his own horse race in a similar vein.
Lewis Clark realized that the US, despite an already-established history of horse racing, had no such organization. He remedied that by founding the Louisville Jockey Club. The organization was then tasked with upgrading the humble racing fields that had been outside Louisville for nearly a century.
His most significant acquisition was the plot of land that would later become Churchill Downs. The racetrack was named in honor of his relatives, John and Henry Churchill. The track would not receive its modern name until 1937.
The first Kentucky Derby in 1875
The original length of the Kentucky Derby was 1.5 miles, which was the same distance as the Grand Prix de Paris and Epsom Derby. The race was later shortened to 1.25 miles in 1896, where it has stayed ever since.
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The first Kentucky Derby was held on May 17, 1875, in front of a boisterous crowd of more than 10,000 people.
Fifteen horses participated in the race, with the winner being AnselWilliamson. His jockey was the now-famous OliverLewis. His impressive performance would continue at the Belmont Stakes, where he placed second.
The Kentucky Derby was an immediate hit with people from all over the East Coast. However, the track was not well-maintained in its early years, owing to a lack of funds.
In 1894, the New Louisville Jockey Club was then founded to bring in much-needed revenue for renovation and expansion. The organization met with little success until 1902, when Colonel Matt Winn organized several local business people to acquire Churchill Downs. This acquisition proved to be the breath of life it needed.
The Kentucky Derby then re-emerged stronger and more popular than ever before.
Kentucky Derby traditions
The traditions surrounding the Kentucky Derby are almost as well-known as the race itself.
The mint julep is the world-famous drink that is traditionally served at the track. The mint julep traditionally consists of a mint leaf, Kentucky bourbon, shaved ice and sweetened syrup.
Additionally, the Kentucky Derby is where you can find people in fancy dresses, umbrellas and clothing befitting a fine 19th-century, upper-class dandy.
The race is also known as the 'Run for the Roses.'
This tradition dates back to 1883 when the wealthy New York City socialite E. Berry Wall presented some of the women attending the event with roses.
Lewis Clark was attending the event at the time, and it inspired him to make the rose the event's official flower. By 1896, giving the winner of the races a wreath of flowers became established as one of the Kentucky Derby's many famous traditions.
Part of the Triple Crown
The Kentucky Derby is the best-known as one of the three Triple Crown races.
But for jockeys competing at the Derby, it's the first of three races they must run. A few weeks after the Kentucky Derby ends, the PreaknessStakes takes place at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore.
This race is followed by the BelmontStakes, which takes place in Elmont, NY. These three races feature a combined purse, as well as a special award that goes to the winner of all three races: the legendary Triple Crown.
The first horse to win all three races was SirBarton in 1919. However, winning all three races wasn't known as the Triple Crown until 1930.
The winner that year was GallantFox, and his jockey CharlesHatton made the term known to the general public. The public went wild with the idea that a horse could place first in every race.
To better facilitate the new Triple Crown, the Kentucky Derby was subsequently moved to the first Saturday in May from its original timeslot of mid-May. This shift also meant that gamblers didn't have to wait as long to place their bets.
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In 1952, the Kentucky Derby was aired on TV for the first time, bringing the race to a broader audience than ever before.
Kentucky Derby
Fast-forward to present day, and the Kentucky Derby is one of the can't-miss sporting events of the year.