This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports. The Kentucky Derby is the most wagered-on horse race in the United States, drawing casual bettors and seasoned handicappers alike to Churchill Downs every first Saturday in May. Whether you are new to horse racing or just need a refresher on how Derby betting works, this guide covers everything you need to place your bets with confidence. You can also check out the latest sportsbook promos if you want bonus bets for other sports this weekend. Betting on the Kentucky Derby is done through horse racing apps, not standard sportsbooks. By law, pari-mutuel wagering on horse racing operates under a separate regulatory framework, which means the bonus bets you earn from a sportsbook welcome offer cannot be used on horse racing. Your real-money deposit, however, can be used across both when platforms offer a shared wallet. The 2026 Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 2 at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race goes off at approximately 6:57 PM ET. What Is the Kentucky Derby? The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown, a series of three prestigious races also including the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. Run at a distance of 1.25 miles on a dirt track, it is one of the oldest continuously held sporting events in the United States, dating back to 1875. The race typically features a field of up to 20 three-year-old thoroughbreds, each having qualified through a points-based Road to the Kentucky Derby series. The winner earns the garland of roses and a purse of $5 million. In 2025, Sovereignty won as a favorite, breaking a recent streak of longshot winners. Where to Bet on the Kentucky Derby You cannot bet on the Kentucky Derby through a standard sportsbook app. Federal law requires pari-mutuel horse racing bets to be placed through licensed advance deposit wagering platforms, known as ADWs. The major national options for 2026 are below. One important note before you get started: the free bets you receive when signing up for FanDuel Sportsbook or DraftKings Sportsbook cannot be used on horse racing wagers. You can fund your account with a real-money deposit and use those funds across both products where a shared wallet is available, but promotional… [TheTopNews] Read More.
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