Kentucky Derby Betting: Odds, Bonuses, & More

The most famous race in North America is one that every trainer and jockey wants to win. This Kentucky Derby betting guide will give you all the information you need. We will be looking at the best bookies, their offers, odds, live streaming and more. When it comes to betting on the Kentucky Derby you only want to use the very best from our UK online bookies list. That’s why our experts created a list of the top 5 below.

Written by: Luke Andrews

Updated on: 11.10.2024

Kentucky Derby Betting Sites

• 🥇 888sport ✪ Best Kentucky Derby Betting Site
• 🥈 10bet ✪ Great Kentucky Derby Odds
• 🥉 Ladbrokes ✪ Secure Kentucky Derby Bookmaker
• ✪ William Hill ✪ Great Kentucky Derby Markets
• ✪ Coral ✪ Best for New Players

As you can see, the top Kentucky Derby bookmakers are all classics from the horse racing genre. This is no surprise, and when it comes to big events these are the ones that perform the best.

Each Kentucky Derby bookie has its own unique qualities. Depending on what you want a bookie to provide, depends on which one you will choose. In the following paragraphs, we will detail all the categories in full.

How We Chose the Best Bookmakers for the Kentucky Derby

When choosing Kentucky Derby betting sites, our experts always look out for the following set of criteria listed below. Now, they are not the only things we look at, however they serve as very good baseline to assess online betting websites in a quick and effective manner.

Our top bookmakers meet the following criteria:

• 1. A top level of payouts and very good profit potential.
• 2. Top of the range promotions dedicated to the Kentucky Derby.
• 3. The availability of live streaming for the race.
• 4. Number of dedicated markets to the race.

As you see, things like payouts, dedicated promotions, the availabilty of live streaming, and the type of markets you can bet on all rank high on our list. Why is that exactly? Well, below we will provide in-depth explanations for each category we have mentioned.

Kentucky Derby Odds 2024

The biggest thing every punter wants to know is who is the favourite to win the Kentucky Derby? In our table below you can see the most recent Kentucky Derby odds for the ante-post markets in 2024.

As you can see, the chaotic nature of the Kentucky Derby means it is difficult to predict an outright winner. This is reflected in the long odds on most of the runners and means you can get some very good prices.

The Importance of Payouts

We expect the very best Kentucky Derby bookmakers to offer a high payout. This is because the higher the percentage offered, the more money you receive on your bet. Our experts calculated this, as explained on our home page, and found very similar results from the top players. Anything markedly above or below this, should raise suspicions, as it either means they are trying to tempt you with unrealistic offers, or trying to skim money off of you.

Best Kentucky Derby Betting Offers

In the lead up to the race, Kentucky Derby betting offers should become a key component of the sportsbook. Of course, you can always use the betting site offers that are always provided; however, it is best when dedicated promotions are available. Things like enhanced odds, paying up to six places, or money back are all common place. So, we’d say keep an eye out in the weeks leading up to the event, and the top operators should be advertising such things.

Live Betting and Streaming

For most sports, live betting is an integral facet, however horse racing regulations generally mean only pre-race markets are available. Nevertheless, the area in which the top online operators can flourish is with live streaming. The best Kentucky Derby betting sites will always show a live feed of the race. This is great for the everyday punter as there is nothing better than seeing your horse cross the post fourth lengths ahead and you knowing instantly you have a big winner on your hands!

Number of Markets Available

Another thing we check for and place emphasis on is the number of markets available to bet on. This is because the more choice you have, the better you Kentucky Derby betting experience will be. There’s nothing worse than wanting to place a specific bet, and not being able to find it on the online bookmaker you are using. That is why those with the most choice score very highly with us, and the ones we have listed will have everything you are looking for.

The Type of Kentucky Derby Markets

In this section we will now go into detail on the type of markets and bets you can place on the race. This can range from the simpler ‘straight bets’, to the ‘exotic bets’ that require more knowledge and luck! Below, you will find a description of some of the betting markets for this race, if you want a general overview of the sport, check out or dedicated horse racing page, where we cover the best horse racing betting sites in more detail. Otherwise, keep on reading!

Straight Bets

The so-called ‘straight-bets’ are the ones that every punter can easily play, no matter their experience. They are generally very simple to place, and do not require in-depth knowledge. They are often suited for the more casual bettor, or those that want to place a quick wager and get on their way.

The Win Bet

The absolute easiest bet of this type is the ‘win bet’. All you need to do here is select a winner of the race. If the horse you have chosen wins, then you win. It’s that easy! Nevertheless, it must be noted that the odds for this type of bet are generally pretty low, so don’t expect massive wins if you do predict the correct outcome!

The Place Bet

Another simple wager is the ‘place bet’. This is an extension of the previous ‘win bet’, in that you choose one horse, instead this time it can either finish in first or second for you to win and receive a return. Naturally, as there is more opportunity for you to win, the odds are even lower. However, this is a good bet, if you like the chance of an outside horse and aren’t sure if they will win outright.

The Each-Way Bet

The each-way bet is the favourite type of bet amongst horse racing enthusiasts. It is essentially a combination of the win bet and the place bet. You choose a horse, and place two separate bets, one for the horse to win, and one for the horse to place (usually from positions 1-4). It’s a great bet as if offers you an extended chance to see a return, and for horse with long odds you can win pretty big. It’s always good to see the horses with good form, or check the surface they are running on, and you have a good chance of at least selecting a horse to place.

Exotic bets on the Kentucky Derby

As their name suggest, ‘exotic bets’ are more advance. They tend to be used by those wanting to win big, and by more experience and knowledgeable punters. That’s not to say inexperienced bettors can’t use them, you’ll just need a bit more luck than is already required! Check out the specific types of bet below!

The Tricast Bet

The tricast bet is quite difficult to predict correctly. You have to choose three horses from the field that will finish in the exact position of first, second, and third. The returns for this will be massive, however the chances of this happening are pretty low, so lots of research is required and in-depth knowledge of the field also helps. Even then, luck still needs to be on your side for a winner to be had! With this luck, you will be the talk of the town and you will be able to celebrate in style. It’s a hard bet to win, but it is worth it when it comes off!

The Forecast Bet

The forecast bet, sometimes known as an exacta – particularly in the US – is similar to the aforementioned bet, however, you only need to choose two horses for this one. Then place them in the exact order of first and second. This pays out less than the previous one, however, as you only need the top-two it naturally has a higher chance of being successful. It would be perhaps pertinent to say, this wager is stepping stone to the next one. It has become one of the most popular bets in the sport and many punters will try to use this over any other.

Superfecta bet

The most advanced of the exotic bets, the superfecta or fourcast bet, is incredibly difficult to win. Here you have to choose the top four horses in exact order. That means, first, second, third, and fourth. The odds for this will generally be astronomical, it’s and insanely difficult wager to be successful on, however, if you do correctly predict the result, then you will have a humongous payout to be satisfied with! We’ve all heard the stories of the big winners, and with a little luck and effort, it may be your turn next to celebrate a crazy win.

All you Need to Know about the Kentucky Derby

The Kentucky Derby info
Nome:	The Kentucky Derby
Headquarters:	Churchill Downs, Louisville
Year of foundation:	1875
Sponsor:	Woodford Reserve
Website:	www.kentuckyderby.com
Race Type:	Grade I Stakes Race
Surface:	Dirt
Prize Money:	£3 million

The Kentucky Derby is a Grade I stakes race specifically for three-year-old thoroughbreds. It is the grand finale of the two-week Kentucky Derby Festival that draws massive crowds every year. The race takes place on the first Saturday in May every year and has been held since 1875. The US describes it as the ‘most exciting two minutes in sport’ due to the nature of unpredictability and the excitement it draws from the onlooking crowd. In 2019 a crowd of over 165,000 watched the race and it is the most popular race in North America. The race is held at Chruchill Downs, in Louisville, Kentucky.

The total prize money is £3 million, with the winner receiving £1,860,000. The distance is a total 1 1/4 miles, (10 furlongs), and the track is made of dirt. Depending on the weather this means the track can be either fast, or muddy, and is something that brings an air of unpredictability to the race. It is also the first leg of the American Triple Crown, where a horse must win the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and the Belmont Stakes to be crowned. It’s a race that has produced many legends throughout the years, with both jockeys and trainers wanting to get the title. There is also the tradition of the paddock judge shouting “Riders Up!” in order for them to mount their horses before the race begins.

It’s a great race and is so exciting and is something the sport of horse racing needs in order to continue prospering. Although it’s over in a flash, the build-up, the excitement and more just make it a pleasure to watch.

All the info on the Horses of the Kentucky Derby

As the race is only open to three-year-old horses there has never been a repeat winner. Nevertheless, some legends have been produced, and many trainers and jockeys have received notoriety for being the best. Many horses that won from the back or ran extremely fast are still remembered by the crowds to this day and will always stay in the folklore of the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby Records

In the boxes below you will find some the most amazing records for the race. These facts and anecdotes will serve you well in any future trivia quizzes and will also help you in understanding the complexity of the race and what it takes to be a champion here. Check them out below!

History of the Kentucky Derby and Betting

Starting in 1875 the race has a deep history. Naturally, Kentucky Derby betting has been intertwined with this. The first race had 10,000 spectators and nowadays that has burgeoned to 160,000 plus. With these crowds comes the desire the place a wager on the race. In 1908 bookmakers were outlawed and pari-mutuel betting became the norm. In 1911 a betting booth was installed and continued to grow. In 1984, the race was simulcast to 24 racetracks across the nation and a total of £18 million was wagered. The race has continued to grow and below you can find our handy infographic that documents the history of the race and betting for you to gain even more knowledge!

Discover the Best Bookies for the Kentucky Derby

Kentucky Derby and Bookmakers Sponsorship

There aren’t many noticeable sponsorships of the event, instead these are left for non-gambling companies. Currently, the race is sponsored by Woodford Reserve, and unless there are any changes to the law and regulations it remains hard to foresee any prominent bookmakers getting sponsorship deals for the event in the near future.

Which Bookies Should you Avoid?

When betting on the Kentucky Derby it is important to know which bookies, you should avoid using. It goes without saying that those who aren’t fully regulated and licensed by the UK Gambling Commission should be completely omitted from your usage. Luckily, all the sites listed here are trusted and are fully licensed. What’s more the online bookies we have featured are the best for this specific race, with top coverage and promotions. You don’t want to waste time searching around, so stick with us and you won’t go far wrong.

Facts and Anecdotes about Betting on Kentucky Derby

As we are coming to an end of the review we thought we’d end on a light-hearted tone. With Kentucky Derby betting comes many facts and curiosities. In the boxes below we have collected some of the most outrageous anecdotes when it comes to wagering on the event! Check them out below.

To win the Kentucky Derby is the goal of every trainer, every hot-walker, every backside person. They may be just rubbing on a horse, or hot-walking a horse, but they wonder if they could win the Kentucky Derby.

Bob Lewis

TO THE TOP BOOKIES LIST

FAQ

Now we have finished with our look at the Kentucky Derby, we have covered everything that is of importance. If you still have some questions, please read the FAQ below or feel free to send us an email. at info@bestbettingsites.com.

1️⃣ What are the best Kenutcky Derby betting sites for UK users?

Our team has put together the list of the best Kentucky Derby betting sites. You can be sure you will be on to a winner with these options.

2️⃣ Can I find dedicated promotions for the Kentucky Derby?

Yes, in the run-up to the event be sure to check on the website of your preferred operator, they will more than likely have some sort of promotion for the race.

3️⃣ Can I bet on the Kentucky Derby from the UK?

Yes, of course. All the bookies here are licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. The event takes place in the US, however, the sportsbooks located in the UK provide a market for you to bet on.

4️⃣ What are the odds on the Kentucky Derby?

The Kentucky Derby odds change frequently in the weeks before the race before settling down. Check the most recent odds on the winner of the Kentucky Derby for 2024.