2026 Kentucky Derby: Your Complete Betting Guide
The 2026 Kentucky Derby runs on Saturday, May 2. Online betting is available through licensed advance deposit wagering (ADW) sites and apps.
Where to Place Your Bets
Official Derby partners include TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing, DK Horse, and 1/ST BET. These platforms offer live race streams and sign-up bonuses.
Important: Users must have an active horse racing betting app or site account — sports betting apps cannot be used for Derby wagers.
Promotions Worth Grabbing
TwinSpires
Up to $400 sign-up offer with code SPORTSLINE. New users receive $100 per $400 wagered (max $1,600 wagered within 30 days). Also offers a $10 bonus bet back if the horse finishes second or third during Derby week.
FanDuel Racing
$25 bonus after a first bet of $5 or more. Bonus expires after seven days.
DraftKings Racing – King of the Track
Users who bet at least $5 on the winning horse split a $1 million prize pool.
1/ST Bet
$500 wagering credits with code 500BET, awarded as $25 per $100 wagered (max $2,500 wagered within 60 days).
How to Bet on the Derby
To place a bet, select Churchill Downs, Race 12.
Common Wager Types
- Win: Pick the winning horse.
- Place: Pick a horse to finish in the top two.
- Show: Pick a horse to finish in the top three.
- Exacta, Trifecta, Superfecta: Pick the exact order of finish for two, three, or four horses.
Important Rule: Odds Are Not Locked
In horse racing, odds are not locked at the time of bet. Payouts depend on final odds before the race starts. Bettors can cancel wagers on horse racing apps.