2024 Kentucky Derby Betting Online

Written by: Joseph Falchetti, Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert
Last updated:
4 minute read
Kentucky Derby betting online

Betting on the Kentucky Derby mean that you will be wagering on the first of three races that make up the Triple Crown. This iconic horse race is followed by the Preakness and the Belmont Stakes. The Derby is one of the most significant events a year for horse racing and horse betting. The odds to win the Kentucky Derby are hotly debated among horse bettors and these days; many decide to take their action online.

Horse betting online has increased year after year with more sites and betting markets taking wagers. The race coverage begins at 12 PM EST with the race happening between 5-6:30 PM EST on May 2nd.

Bet On The 2024 Kentucky Derby At Best Betting Sites

Rank
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Rating
Bonus
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  • 1
    A+
    4.9/5.0
    50% Up To $250
  • 2
    A+
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    100% Up To $2,500
  • 3
    A+
    4.8/5.0
    50% Up To $250
  • 3
    A+
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    100% Up To $500
  • 4
    A+
    4.2/5.0
    125% Up To $1,250
  • 5
    A
    4.7/5.0
    100% Up To $1,000
  • 5
    A
    4.7/5.0
    50% Up To $1,000

How To Bet On Kentucky Derby Online

  1. Choose A Betting Site – Choose a Kentucky betting site that offers horse racing in addition to sports betting. Before depositing, be sure to make sure it’s highly-rated, as well. We have a large list of reviews and recommended sportsbooks.
  2. Make a Deposit – Deposit into the sportsbook of your choosing while taking advantage of any deposit bonuses. If possible, deposit the maximum amount to receive the most substantial bonus. Check for any promotions relating to horse racing or the Kentucky Derby when signing up and depositing.
  3. Find Horse Racing Markets – Horse racing betting markets are often separate from the sportsbooks. Find the horse racing betting markets and select Kentucky derby. Check the Kentucky Deby odds below.
  4. Place Your Bet – Figure out what horse(s) you want to bet on and place your wager. There are a variety of bets to choose from for horse betting, so be sure to go over all possibilities before placing your bet. Be sure to look over your wager before hitting confirming the bet.
  5. Enjoy the Derby! – Once you have placed on all your bets, kick back and relax and have a cocktail while you watch the Kentucky Derby.

How To Pick Kentucky Derby Winner

Picking a horse is like betting individual athletes or evaluating groups of players, or teams. In the end, betting on horses isn’t much different than betting on professional sports with humans. You must be able to identify talent and know what to look for before placing a bet.

Outside Appearance

Kentucky Derby Paddock Area

As far as looking at a horse that is healthy, bettors should focus on the hair and muscle definition. If a horse has a shiny looking coat – that’s a good sign that the horse is healthy. Just like a star athlete, muscle definition is essential. You wouldn’t bet on a basketball team full of fat guys, just like you wouldn’t bet on a horse carrying a bunch of extra weight. For horses, look at muscle definition around the chest and rib cage.

Use live stream or TV coverage before the race to pay attention to the horse’s ears and nerves. If the horse has its head held high and it’s ears up, then you have a horse that is alert and ready. Same with the nerves, if you a horse that is fidgety or sweating in the paddock area, that can be a dangerous sign.

Observe the paddock before the race

It’s not always possible to get this close to a horse or insect them before the race, but it is possible if you would happen to travel to the Kentucky Derby in person. If you’re betting online, you can often see the horses in the paddock before the race starts. Once you have decided on a horse(s) to bet on, be sure to shop around and find the best price before placing a wager.

Kentucky Derby Betting Odds

Bet On The Kentucky Derby At Top US Betting Sites

Rank Top Betting Sites Deposit Bonus Get Started
1 Deposit Bonus 50% Up To $250 Bet Now
2 Deposit Bonus 100% Up To $2,500 Bet Now
3 Deposit Bonus 50% Up To $250 Bet Now

Kentucky Derby Betting – Bets For The Race

There are a lot of options when it comes to online horse bets. Bets for the Kentucky Derby expand nearly every year, especially when it comes to prop bets. All traditional bets will be available as well, such as win, place, and show or more. If you’ve never bet on the Kentucky Derby we’ve got you covered with a quick betting primer.

Win Bet

The most popular horse racing bets are center around if a horse will win, place, or show. For a “win” bet to be graded as a winner, the horse must win the race in the first position. If the horse does not win the race outright and place first, then the wager is a loser.

Place Bet

To win a “place” wager, the horse must place first or second in the race for the wager to be graded as a winner. Either spot will cash the bet if the horse finishes in the third or any other sport, the bet is a loser.

Show Bet

Finally, to win a “show,” bet, the horse wagered upon needs to finish in the top three spots, either first, second, or third in the race. If the horse does not finish in any of these spots, then the bet is a loser.

Kentucky Derby History

The first Kentucky Derby was in 1875 on May 17th. Aristides won a 15-horse race in front of 15,000 spectators. Since then, the Derby has grown in popularity and is the most watched horse race of the year. The crowds are filled with fans who make the trip to Churchill Downs and celebrities, alike.

Kentucky Derby Past Winners

  • 2019 Winner: Country House (by DQ)
  • 2018 Winner: Justify
  • 2017 Winner: Always Dreaming
  • 2016 Winner: Nyquist
  • 2015 Winner: American Pharaoh (Triple Crown Winner)
  • 2014 Winner: California Chrome

Don’t Miss Our Complete Horse Betting Guide

About the Author

Joseph Falchetti

Joseph Falchetti

Editor-in-Chief, Pro Sports Bettor and Casino Expert

Joe is the author of the majority of sports betting pages on SBS and he serves as a gambling consultant to our content team. He's been mentioned on Forbes.com as a gaming analyst, and his articles have been linked by larger publications, such as the New York Times.

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