Betting on the Kentucky Derby is the most staked horse racing event in America. There is an abundance of media attention, betting options and live coverage that encircle the event yearly which takes place on the first Saturday in May. The Kentucky Derby makes up for the first leg of the Triple Crown in the United States. According to statistics, $20.1 million was wagered on the 2017 Kentucky Derby. Modern technology has only advanced the access and immediacy of betting on the Kentucky Derby with profuse selection of available online sportsbooks and mobile betting apps. When betting for the Kentucky Derby, it is imperative to choose a horse betting site that is legal and has a good reputation.
The event has been running for 145 years which makes it America’s longest-running sporting event in history! The Kentucky Derby is somehow anachronistically hung between the 19th and 21st century which it makes very unique. The Kentucky Derby is still largely considered a greater gem in comparison to the Preakness and the Triple Crown. The championship is broken down into two phases namely: the first leg of the series and the second leg of the series. It has up to a maximum of 20 horses in the field. Find the best American betting sites and win big.
Best Kentucky Derby Betting Sites
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Kentucky Derby Betting Guide
- What is the Kentucky Derby?
- Is Betting on Horse Racing Legal in the US?
- Kentucky Derby Betting Options
- Kentucky Derby Tips
- History of the Kentucky Derby
- Derby Traditions
What is the Kentucky Derby?
What is the Kentucky Derby? So, what is the Kentucky Derby and all the cacophony of hullabaloo associated with it? The Kentucky Derby is a yearly horse race that is held at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, United States. Bearing with custom, the Kentucky Derby is a two-week festival. The Kentucky Derby is a Grade 1 stakes race that is fitted for thoroughbred horses who are three years of age. The race is a total of 2.0 km in distance on a dirt track that is let handed. It’s significant to note that the turnout for the Kentucky Derby classes first in North America. Moreover, the Kentucky Derby remains so poignant amongst the other horse racing events as it has been draped in history and tradition.
Is Betting on Horse Racing Legal in the US?
Betting on sports is 100% legal in America and that includes horse racing betting. There is no federal law in the United States that prohibits you from doing so. However, it must be noted that you need to be at least 18 or 21 (depending on your state) to bet on sports. Only a small amount of states of legalized sports betting so US residents will have to wager on betting sites that have an offshore payment facility. This will be your loophole or grey area to bet on the Kentucky Derby or horse racing events. Sports betting as of 2020 is now legal in eight states and this is a huge paradigm shift in the landscape of online sports gambling with a new surge of interest and support.
Kentucky Derby Betting Options
There are several types of betting options that the average punter on the Kentucky Derby. Below we have listed and explained the key 6 betting options available to any punter.
- Win Bet: here, you wager on the horse you believe will win the race.
- Place Bet: in this type of bet, the punter wagers on podium finishes. In particular, you will bet if your chosen horse will finish the race in first or second place.
- Show Bet: it’s important to remember that a show bet pays the lowest. However, if you win you will get paid. These are bets on all podium finishes.
- Exacta Bet: here, you will forecast which the first two horses will be at the end of the race. However, you need to bet the two-horse positions in the exact order in the race.
- Trifecta Bet: in this bet, you will need to bet on the first three horses in the precise order.
- Superfecta Bet: the punter will need to envisage the first four horses in the exact order.
- Super High Five Bet: here, you will need to forecast the first five horses in the accurate order.
Tips On Betting On The Kentucky Derby
Tips and strategies will only help you as you bet on this infamous sporting event. We have included and explained some top tips below:
- Verified Site – there is an abundance of online sportsbooks available on the internet you need to make sure that the site you select is legitimate and verified. Ensure the sportsbook you select has a long-standing repute and positive review.
- Locate Rested Horses – it goes without saying that the Kentucky Derby is an extremely arduous series of races. This is no easy feat not even for a world champion. Therefore, you need to do your research and locate which horses have been taken off the race track in order to rest. Research will then indicate which race the horse has been taken off and which other two the horse will be racing in. Rested horses are always a safer bet as they have had time to convalesce.
- Bankroll Management – as your bankroll grows so can your wagers. Here, you can manage your finances sensibly and keep track of all your bets you have placed. Ultimately having good bankroll management often translates to having profitable bets.
- Devise a Betting Strategy – this is extremely significant. You need to set out a clear and profound betting strategy that you can refer to throughout the season.
- Fitness – prior to placing a wager do an adequate amount of research and see if your chosen horse is deliberated physically fit. Review their training exercises, statistics, and their prior performance.
- Horse Racing Division – the class of a horse defines its competition. Examine the past environments the horse has raced in as a direct gauge of its capabilities. This is extremely important.
More Horse Betting Lines
- View the Trainer – pay precise consideration and review to who the trainer of a particular horse you wish to bet is. Some coaches are better than others, some might have a wider facet of training, greater organization skills and a larger wealth of knowledge on horses and championship races.
- Jockey – this can be overlooked at times but the role of the jockey has much significance. A jockey needs to retain prodigious riding techniques, strength and sound judgment. All of this can influence a horse. Review a jockey’s statistics prior to placing a wager.
- Statistics – when you have chosen a contender, review the horse’s record and statistics for the year as well as his lifetime documentation. This will give you a detailed insight into a horse’s performance capabilities.
- Weight – be sure your selected horse in its present form meets the weight criteria to compete in the Kentucky Derby.
- Experience – it is important to be cognizant of experience level. Select a horse and a jockey that has an adequate amount of experience.
- Ignore the Pundits – this might sound like the craziest betting tip you’ve ever read or heard but we promise its sound! There are boundless sport betting pundits providing a seamless stream of advice and insight but you must remember that these pundits won’t have your best interests at heart. Importantly, no one, not even pundits know who will win a race so you need to bear that in mind when making a bet.
- Research – do ample research, as much as you can! Research the racecourse, the weather, the jockeys, the horses and betting options.
- Be Aware of your Limit – always know your limit when betting. Be cognizant of your finances and bet responsibly. Don’t chase winning or losing streaks.
History of the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby saw its inauguration in 1875. The whole idea for the Kentucky Derby arose with Colonel Meriwether Lewis Clark Jnr on his visit Surrey, England. The early origins of the race began at Clark returned home to Kentucky from his trip abroad. The racecourse itself, Churchill Downs was then named after the men who provided the land, John and Henry Churchill. The very first race in 1875 was only 1.5 miles in distance and fans were able to listen to the race for the first time in 1925. Additionally, the very first television reportage was in 1952.
Derby Traditions
In its 145-year history, the Kentucky Derby has garnered many traditions. We have listed some below:
- Fashion – opulent and spectacular fashion has been worn throughout Derby’s inception. Most women now and throughout the year traditionally adorn hats to the event. The Kentucky Derby hat parade has become a tradition and is usually bright and profuse.
- Run for the Roses – the red rose become the official flower for this prestigious horse racing event, therefore, making the nickname apt. Additionally, every year more than 400 red roses are stitched onto a green satin backing and bestowed onto the winner.
- My Old Kentucky Home – is a song before the race begins as the horse’s step on the track. The anthem has come to symbolize southern pride. The song is believed to have first been sung in 1921.
- Mint Julep – is the traditional drink of the Derby and has been for almost a century.
- The Winners Circle – 1938 and onwards the Kentucky Derby winner is guided to the infield presentation spot to be venerated