Betting on the Kentucky Derby in the US

11513335As long as there has been horse racing, there has been horse betting. They don’t call it the “Sport of Kings” for no reason: horse racing has been around for as long as we can remember and you know those kings would throw down a little (or not so little) wager on which horse was faster than the next.

It should come as no surprise then, that the Kentucky Derby is one of the most highly-wagered events in the world of sports betting besides the Super Bowl. In 2013, there was a total of $130,500,000 bet on Kentucky Derby and that was just the second-highest amount of all time. The record came in 2012 when $133,500,000 came in on Kentucky Derby betting action.

There were many people that were disappointed by last year’s numbers but you have to take into account that there were only 19 Kentucky Derby contenders in the field instead of 20 due to Black Onyx pulling out just before the early betting took place, leaving Fear the Kitten without a spot. The size of the field definitely matters – especially to the sharp bettors. It was also a cold and damp day, meaning track conditions were less than ideal and that probably scared more than a few casual players off. That being said, those are still very good numbers for a one-day sporting event.

Remember that those numbers were only for the action that took place at Churchill Downs; imagine what the online betting numbers were! More and more players are moving their bets online because, quite frankly, it is more convenient and easier to do. You can also bet on more races; you don’t have to actually be physically at that particular track to make a bet.

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The status of online betting tends to depend on where you are located. Some places are more flexible while some countries, like the United States, tend to be a bit more restrictive. However, more and more individual states in the USA are starting to relax their laws as they need new streams of tax revenue and let’s face it: people like to bet. There are a few states like Nevada and New Jersey leading the way with domestic online betting and you get the feeling that more states are watching and waiting for the results so they can decide if it is worth the risk for their citizens.

With the Triple Crown season coming up, you should start doing your research now; figure out what to be betting on the Kentucky Derby and where you should be taking your business.

Best Spots to Bet Horses Online

It really depends on the individual companies as some have made the effort to understand the American regulations and can operate just fine while others don’t go that extra mile. That already is a telling sign as to where you might want to play. These handful of shops still provide for American players and offer a safe and reliable service. These offshore sites are an extremely popular way to bet the Kentucky Derby odds if you are from the United States.

So, what are you looking for in regards to picking a good racebook or sportsbook for betting on Kentucky Derby? As was mentioned before, finding out about their reliability and security should be the first thing you do. A book can have all the betting options in the world and the site can be full of flashy bells and whistles, but what is the point if you have troubles with the banking? What if it takes weeks to make a withdrawal? Do they use credit cards only or have a diverse array of deposit and payout options? Look for sportsbooks with solid reputations that have a long history of success. A quality sportsbook will have numerous methods of contact (phone, e-mail, etc.) and just by chatting with them, you’ll be able to get a pretty good feel for what they’re all about.

You should also check out how a site looks on your smartphone, as most people like to bet on the go. If that’s important to you, you’ll want to make sure that the book you sign up with is up-to-date with the latest technology. Lastly, make sure you check out what kind of deposit bonuses and Kentucky Derby promotions are offered. Usually, you can get a nice racebook bonus just for opening an account and funding it, which means you’ll have some free money to use for your horse racing bets. Take advantage of all the bonuses you can find as you prepare to bet on the Run for the Roses.

Some Quick Tips for Betting on Horses

Remember that when it comes to betting of any kind, you should always practice safe bankroll management. Sometimes bettors get a little too excited in the moment and bet beyond their means. Make sure you have a budget and stick within it. Treat it as a form of entertainment. Set a level that works for you and stick with that.

Lastly, make sure you do your research. Nowadays, there are so many outlets where you can find out about the horses, it really makes your life much easier to pick a winner. Twenty to thirty years ago, betting on the Kentucky Derby would be a big challenge as there would only be a few people in the know. Nowadays, there’s a million resources to you online from the horse trainers to jockeys, to handicapper blogs, to analysts, to other bettors making their evaluations just like you. Make sure you take in all of the information before you make your decisions. It will help you cash in more often.