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The Kentucky Derby isn’t just a race—it’s a full-blown spectacle. Every spring, the spotlight turns to Churchill Downs as the fastest three-year-olds explode out of the gate in the “Run for the Roses.” And for bettors looking to get in on the action, platforms like DraftKings make it easier than ever to have a stake in every stride.
DraftKings gives you a couple of different lanes to make it happen. The easiest path comes through DraftKings Racing, which is integrated directly into the DraftKings Sportsbook experience in select states (Delaware, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Florida, Louisiana, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio and Oregon).
If you’re in one of those markets, you can bet the Derby without jumping between apps—same login, same wallet, same streamlined interface.
The shared wallet means any sportsbook promos, bonus bets, or funds you already have can be used seamlessly for horse racing. New users can typically unlock welcome offers—often requiring a small initial wager—to score bonus bets that can be used across the platform, including on marquee events like the Kentucky Derby.
Don’t live within those select states?
That’s where DK Horse comes in. It’s DraftKings’ standalone racebook app, built specifically for horse racing. While it operates separately from the main sportsbook (meaning no shared wallet), it still gives you full access to Derby wagering and a wide menu of race-day bets—from win/place/show to exactas, trifectas, and more.
Whether you’re using DraftKings Racing or DK Horse, betting on the 2026 Kentucky Derby is very much on the table. The platform you use just depends on your location—but either way, you’ll have a fast, user-friendly setup ready for one of the biggest betting events of the year.
How to bet on the Kentucky Derby with DraftKings
The states that offer horse racing through DraftKings, you can wager on the races through DraftKings Racing in the Sportsbook. If you don’t live within those states, use the DK Horse app.
Because DraftKings Racing is built right into the DraftKings Sportsbook, everything runs through one shared wallet. New users can jump in and claim the welcome offer of $5 bet and get $100 in bonus bets, win or lose.
Here’s how to bet on the Kentucky Derby with DraftKings
- Sign up for a new DraftKings Sportsbook account.
- Go to the DraftKings Racing section
- Choose the race you want to bet on and place your first wager.
- Deposit funds (minimum $5).
- Select the New Customer Token.
- Place a $5+ cash bet (-500 odds or longer).
- You will receive $100 in bonus bets instantly, regardless of the outcome of your qualifying wager.
- Watch the Kentucky Derby and any race you want to bet on live!
Here’s how to bet on the Kentucky Derby through DK Horse:
- If DraftKings Racing is not available in your state, download the DK Horse app and create a free account.
- Choose the race you want to bet on and place your first wager.
- Watch the Kentucky Derby and any race you want to bet on live!
DraftKings Kentucky Derby odds
- Renegade: 5-1
- Albus: 49-1
- Intrepido: 54-1
- Litmus Test: 34-1
- Commandment: 7-1
- Danon Bourbon: 15-1
- So Happy: 6-1
- Wonder Dean: 20-1
- Incredibolt: 27-1
- Chief Wallabee: 9-1
- Potente: 23-1
- Emerging Market: 11-1
- Pavlovian: 52-1
- Six Speed: 39-1
- Further Ado: 7-1
- Golden Tempo: 35-1
- Great White: 28-1
- Ocelli: 99-1
- Robusta: 99-1
