2026 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide

The 2026 Kentucky Derby is fast approaching, and excitement is building for “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” For those looking to participate in the action, understanding where and how to bet is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of betting options and accessibility through FanDuel Racing and Sportsbook.

Where to Bet on the Kentucky Derby

As of January 27, 2026, FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Racing offer legalized Kentucky Derby betting in several states. You can place bets directly from your phone using the FanDuel apps.

FanDuel Betting Availability by State

• FanDuel Sportsbook or FanDuel Racing App: Arizona (AZ), Colorado (CO), Connecticut (CT), Iowa (IA), Illinois (IL), Indiana (IN), Kentucky (KY), Louisiana (LA), Massachusetts (MA), Maryland (MD), Michigan (MI), New York (NY), Ohio (OH), Pennsylvania (PA), Virginia (VA), West Virginia (WV), and Wyoming (WY).
• FanDuel Racing App: Arkansas (AR), California (CA), Delaware (DE), Florida (FL), Idaho (ID), Minnesota (MN), Montana (MT), New Hampshire (NH), New Mexico (NM), North Dakota (ND), Oregon (OR), Rhode Island (RI), South Dakota (SD), and Washington (WA).

How to Watch Derby Week

FanDuel TV provides comprehensive, commercial-free coverage of Derby Week, beginning Saturday, April 25th, and continuing through Saturday, May 2nd. Coverage will be available on both FDTV and FanDuel TV+. FanDuel TV will also be on-site at Churchill Downs, offering live news, analysis, and handicapping insights leading up to the Derby.

How to Bet on the 2026 Kentucky Derby

There are several ways to bet on the Kentucky Derby, ranging from simple straight wagers to more complex exotic bets.

Straight Wagers

• Win: Your horse must finish first to win. This offers the potential for a significant payout, especially on longshot horses. Minimum bet: $2.
• Place: Your horse must finish in the top two. Minimum bet: $2.
• Show: Your horse must finish in the top three. Minimum bet: $2.

Exotic Wagers

Exotic wagers involve predicting the order of multiple horses or the winners of several races. These bets generally offer higher payouts but are more challenging to win.

• Exacta: Predict the first two horses in order. Minimum bet: $2 (with $1 for additional combinations).
• Trifecta: Predict the first three horses in order. Minimum bet: $0.50.
• Superfecta: Predict the first four horses in order. Minimum bet: $1.
• Super High Five: Predict the first five horses in order. Minimum bet: $1.

Betting Options with FanDuel

You can bet on the Kentucky Derby through either the FanDuel Racing standalone app or directly within the FanDuel Sportsbook. FanDuel Racing provides access to horse racing news, odds, and insights, including coverage of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup.