Legal Kentucky Derby Betting FAQs

Even though we have taken pains to go into every detail we can think of vis a vis placing wagers on the Kentucky Derby, there are still plenty of question that arise from time to time with enough frequency that even serious seasoned horseplayers may still be in the dark on a few subjects. For that reason we decided to compile some of the most common queries that we come across regularly and put together this legal Kentucky Derby betting FAQs.

The goal is to get you in on the action as smoothly as possible and to point you in the right direction when it comes to betting on the Kentucky Derby the legal way. We cover legal topics, logistics issues, general Kentucky Derby information and even some questions that come up when thinking about tips for smart horse racing wagering. If you don’t see an answer to the question you are just dying to know and the Kentucky Derby is getting close, please drop us a line here at LegalKentuckyDerby.com and we will do our best to find out the answer to your question.

How Can I Legally Bet On The 2023 Kentucky Derby?

There are legal offshore racebooks for the Kentucky Derby in every state, with many bettors even having in-state options to choose from. Either option is legal and readily available for many players, with online and mobile Kentucky Derby sites the easiest way to bet on Derby Day. These online and mobile options mean players don’t have to leave the comfort of their own homes and get up-to-the-minute odds on the biggest race of the year.

If Horse Racing Betting Is Legal, Why Should I Use An Offshore Online Racebook?

For players that are focused on profitable betting strategies for the Kentucky Derby, choosing to use state-regulated online betting platforms is a costly decision. Offshore Kentucky Derby racebooks are legal in every state (international business that is legal in the US due to international guidelines), and they offer better odds, bonuses, and deposit methods than state-regulated books. Whether you are looking for bonuses up to $1,000 like at BetOnline or for untaxed winnings, offshore Kentucky Derby betting sites are sure to be a better choice then US-based sites.

What Is The Best Time To Bet On The Kentucky Derby?

This is a good question because it presupposes that the bettor is already familiar with the concept of picking winners based on futures betting odds and morning lines on the horses in the lineup. The difference, of course, comes down to your personal preference. If you are the kind of bettor who keeps up with the horse racing world for years at a time – not weeks – or if horseplaying is strictly your thing, then it is probably smart to go ahead and lock in your bet well in advance of post time on Derby Day. You can generally get more profitable odds on any horse in the field if you stick to futures odds. However, if you are more of a casual horseplayer and you want to have the most up to date odds (reflecting a given horse’s more recent performances in Kentucky Derby prep races in the weeks before the day of the race) then it most likely better for you to go with the morning line when filling out your betting slip.

How Many Horses Run In The Kentucky Derby?

The starting lineup in the field at the Kentucky Derby is set at 20 horses. A field of that size gives the annual “Run for the Roses” the distinction of being one of the larger stakes races in terms the number of horses in the race. However, it should be noted that there will generally be a few horses that do not make it to the starting gate at post time. Horses and riders that do not appear on the starting line are considered to have “scratched” and will not be allowed to participate in the race.

If My Horse Scratches Do I Get A Refund On My Bet?

This is one of the most crucial questions to answer, especially if you are someone that is interested in first getting into betting on the ponies. Generally speaking, we would advise budding horseplayers in the making to hone their craft a little bit more before taking on handicapping horses at “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports.” Be that as it may, the aura of Churchill Downs and the appeal of betting on the legendary Kentucky Derby has converted a lot of horseplayers over the years, so if you want to get into the hobby, there is no time like right now. If your horse scratches (that is, if your chosen horse qualifies to Run for the Roses but does not actually take its place in the starting gates) you will only be refunded the amount of your bet if you bet on a morning line. If you bet using futures odds then you are out of luck as far as getting a refund – better pray your horse doesn’t scratch on Derby Day.

How Long Is A Furlong Anyway?

One of the most distinctive elements of horse racing are the unique terms that are associated with the sport. Many people new to the sport (and probably a fair number of experienced horseplayers, for that matter) don’t know that a furlong is actually derived from a length of measure found in Anglo-Saxon and later English agricultural practices. Essentially, a furlong (literally a “furrow length”) was traditionally the distance a team of oxen could plough without needing to rest. In imperial or U.S. measurement a furlong equals 220 yards and a furlong totals out at 201.168 meters using the metric system. In the sport of horse racing, tracks are listed according to their length in furlongs – so the Kentucky Derby, being run at the 10 furlong Churchill Downs dirt track – is 1 ¼ miles or 10 acres in length, making the average finishing time of 2 minutes even more impressive.

Should I Sign Up At More Than One Online Racebook?

Shopping lines for the Kentucky Derby is the single best way for new and experienced players alike to gain a leg up when betting on the Derby. This means signing up for multiple online Kentucky Derby betting sites to ensure that players get the best odds on any of the horses that they are betting on. We recommend offshore sites like Bovada and BetOnline that are fast, safe, and offer large bonuses for new players. These bonuses can help ensure players are profitable once a winner has been crowned at the Kentucky Derby.

Do Online Racebooks Offer Mobile Kentucky Derby Betting Apps?

Much like the old two-gate system at Churchill Downs, mobile Kentucky Derby Apps that require downloads are a thing of the past. Online KY Derby racebooks such as Bovada, SportsBetting, and BetOnline have mobile-optimized online racebooks that can easily be used on any phone, tablet, or smart device. All you need to bet on the Kentucky Derby is internet connection, with the best Kentucky Derby betting sites for your phone no longer requiring storage space-intensive apps.

What Is The Best Deposit Method At Online Kentucky Derby Racebooks?

The best deposit method to use when betting on the Kentucky Derby online is cryptocurrencies. Whether it is Bitcoin, Ethereum, or a smaller crypto like ApeCoin, players can receive the safest deposits in the business due to the blockchain features that protect users’ identities and personal info. Cryptocurrency Kentucky Derby sportsbooks also offer the best bonuses for the race, with Bovada standing out due to their $750 maximum value that is available when players sign up to bet on the ponies.