how do i bet on the kentucky derby

4 hours ago 4

To bet on the Kentucky Derby, follow these steps and understand the common types of bets:

Register with a Betting Platform
Sign up for an account on an official betting site like TwinSpires or FanDuel Racing, which offer live odds, race replays, and betting promotions

Fund Your Account
Deposit money into your betting account to place wagers.
Choose Your Bet Type
Common Kentucky Derby bets include:
- Win: Bet on the horse to finish first.
- Place: Bet on the horse to finish first or second.
- Show: Bet on the horse to finish first, second, or third.
- Exacta: Pick the first and second place horses in exact order.
- Trifecta: Pick the first, second, and third place horses in exact order.
- Superfecta: Pick the first four horses in exact order.
- Super High Five: Pick the first five horses in exact order

Select Your Horse(s)
Choose from the field of horses entered in the race. For example, top contenders in 2025 include Journalism (favorite at 3-1 odds), Sovereignty, and Sandman

Place Your Bet
Enter the amount you want to wager and confirm your bet.
Watch the Race
The Kentucky Derby typically starts in the early evening (e.g., 6:57 p.m. ET in 2025). Watch the race live on TV or streaming services to see if your bet wins

Early Betting (Futures Wager): You can bet early on the Kentucky Derby months before race day through "Kentucky Derby Futures Wager," which offers better odds and is available during several windows starting in November

Betting on a Budget: Even with $30 to $125, you can place strategic bets like exactas, trifectas, or superfectas by spreading your wagers across combinations to maximize potential returns