What states can bet on the 2025 Kentucky Derby? Here's an online wagering guide.

Lindsay Smith, Lexington Herald-Leader on May 2, 2025

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The 151st running of the Kentucky Derby is this weekend, and even if you’re not planning on attending in person in Louisville, you may still want to get in on the action.

The Run for the Roses is Saturday, May 3 at Churchill Downs. While some people may be planning on making the trip, many will also be betting on the race from afar.

Placing bets remains popular, and involvement is growing. Last year, overall betting on the Derby reached a record $320.5 million, beating 2023’s record of $288.7 million, according to ESPN.

So whether you’re planning on placing bets on this year’s post-time favorite Journalism, who is on a four-race winning streak, or wagering on another horse, there are ways to do so online or in-person. Here’s what to know about sports betting in Kentucky and other U.S. states.

What states can bet on the Kentucky Derby?

Sports betting is not legal everywhere, so be sure to check on your state’s laws before you make a wager. According to the American Gaming Association, sports betting is now legal in 40 states.

It was legalized in Kentucky in March 2023, but betting on horses was already legal in the state.

Sports betting remains illegal in Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Utah, the American Gaming Association reports.

Where can I place bets online?

If you’re planning on placing online bets on the Derby, you must use an official horse race betting app.

Kentucky Derby’s official online wagering partner is Twinspires, but that’s not your only option.

Gambling publication BetKentucky recently ranked the top four online betting platforms for horse racing and included not only twinspires, but also FanDuel, DraftKings and Caeser’s. FanDuel was named the best overall app experience and DraftKings the best for new better’s, while BetKentucky said Ceaser’s has the best betting odds.

You can only place online bets in states where it is legal to do so, and platforms may verify your location while placing your bet.

The tax rate in Kentucky for making sports bets online is 14.25%.

For those less familiar with horse racing, you can come up to speed on types of bets with our betting lingo guide.

Can I place bets in-person?

The tax rate on betting in person is significantly less. In Kentucky, in-person wagers come with a tax rate of 9.75%.

If you’re planning on attending the Derby in person and want to get the in-person wagering experience, you can bet at Churchill Downs by using either self-service kiosks or betting windows.

You can also visit other horse racing tracks in Kentucky to place your bets. In Lexington, those include Keeneland Race Course (4201 Versailles Road) and Red Mile Racetrack (1200 Red Mile Road).

Other Kentucky options are Florence’s Turfway Park (7500 Turfway Road), Henderson’s Ellis Park (3300 U.S. Highway 41 North) and Kentucky Downs (5629 Nashville Road) in Franklin.

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If you or someone you know has a problem with gambling, help is available by calling 1-800-522-4700.