A sure sign that spring is in full bloom comes with the annual running of the Kentucky Derby. First contested in 1875, the Kentucky Derby brings together the best three-year-old thoroughbred horses in the world in a battle for the first jewel of horse racing’s Triple Crown.
The Kentucky Derby is the most important event on the American horse racing calendar, and has provided sports bettors with some of the biggest moments in US sports history. The “Run for the Roses” is also one of the nation’s biggest sports betting events of the year, with a near record $210.7 million in wagers getting placed on the 2024 edition of the race, won in historic fashion by +8000 longshot Rich Strike.
Here’s everything you need to know to get ready for wagering on the fastest Two Minutes in Sports.
Kentucky Derby 2025 Betting Preview
The Kentucky Derby 2025 is set for May 3rd at the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. Known as the “Run for the Roses”, this race is the crown jewel of American horse racing and the first leg of the Triple Crown. It’s also the biggest betting day of the year for horse racing in the USA.
Whether you’re watching from the track or betting online in New Jersey, the Derby draws massive attention—and even bigger promotions from top sportsbooks.
Last year’s Derby was one to remember. Mystik Dan won by a nose in a thrilling three-horse photo finish, edging out Sierra Leone and Forever Young. Mystik Dan paid $36.50 to win on a $2 ticket, proving that longshots still shine at Churchill Downs.
The payout? Over $210 million in total betting handle, making it one of the richest days in U.S. horse racing.
2025 Kentucky Derby Contenders & Early Odds
Here are a few top contenders and early odds (subject to change):
- Timberlake (+550) – Strong two-year-old season, serious Derby buzz
- Dornoch (+650) – Consistent prep race performer
- Catching Freedom (+700) – Known closer with great final furlong pace
- Track Phantom (+900) – Speed horse, early favorite for setting the pace
You’ll be able to bet on win/place/show, exactas, trifectas, and of course, futures markets leading up to the Derby.
Best Kentucky Derby 2025 Betting Promos
- HORSE
- SPA250
Expect special Kentucky Derby odds boosts, free exacta contests, and enhanced trifecta payouts at top sportsbooks the week of the race.
| Sportsbook | Derby Bonus | Promo Code |
|---|---|---|
| Amwager | Deposit $150 Bet With $300 | Claim! |
| Bet365 | Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets | USB365 |
| BetRivers | Second Chance Bet up to $250 | NJBRV |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets | – |
| Hard Rock Bet | First Bet Refund up to $100 | – |
Horse.bet Expert Take – How to Bet the Derby
“The Kentucky Derby is wild—20 horses, chaotic pace, and no sure thing. Longshots thrive here more than most races. I always recommend boxing a few horses for trifecta or superfecta plays, especially if you like a closer like Catching Freedom. Look for horses with proven performance at 1 1/8+ mile distances and that have experience in large fields.”
– Editorial Team, Horse.bet
Compare With Other Events:
Unlike the Preakness or Belmont, the Derby has a 20-horse field, which makes betting more unpredictable but also more rewarding. It’s also the only race with the “Derby buzz” factor—meaning odds can shift wildly based on hype, not just form.
Where to find odds and how to bet on the Kentucky Derby 2025
Sports bettors looking to get in on Kentucky Derby betting action can do so at leading US racebooks across the country. Futures wagering is available on all major qualifying races during the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
As the big day approaches and post positions are finalized, racebooks will also offer head-to-head matchups between horses, exacta and trifecta combos, and special wagers like Daily Double and Pick 3s. Since the Kentucky Derby is the first jewel of the Triple Crown, you can also bet on whether any contender can sweep all three races — a feat last achieved by Justify in 2018.
The Derby is also a perfect opportunity to try pari-mutuel betting, where your payout depends on the total pool and how much is wagered on each horse. Popular options include win, place, and show bets, as well as exotic wagers for those chasing bigger paydays.
AmWager: A fast, pro-level racebook offering 100% deposit bonus up to $150, live streaming, and tools like Dutch wagering. Perfect for value-focused bettors.
TwinSpires: Official partner of the Kentucky Derby, offering a $200 bonus after $800 in wagers. Great live coverage and Tuesday Trifecta boosts.
DRF Bets: The official platform of the Daily Racing Form. Get a $200 bonus + $10 free bet and access to exclusive data like Formulator PPs and Beyer Speed Figures.
Kentucky Derby Online Betting FAQ
The 2025 Kentucky Derby is scheduled to take place at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 3rd, 2025.
You can tune into all the Kentucky Derby action on NBC. Paid subscribers can also stream the “Fastest Two Minutes in Sports” on NBCSports.com, Peacock, and the NBC Sports mobile app.
The Kentucky Derby provides sports bettors with a unique betting opportunity. Not only can you get in on futures and head-to-head betting at your preferred sportsbook. You can also take enjoy all of the advantages of pari-mutuel betting at racebooks associated with America’s top horse racing sites.
