The best Kentucky Derby betting sites are DraftKings, Caesars Sportsbook, and BetMGM. This is based upon their key sports betting features like payment method, app usability, promos and bonuses, and customer service support, which makes them the best online sportsbooks for the Kentucky Derby.
Sporting Post is an independent comparison site for gambling platforms, helping readers find safe and legitimate options. We may earn a commission from some affiliate links, but this does not influence our rigorous and unbiased testing, ensuring honest recommendations and accurate information.
Top Kentucky Derby sportsbooks compared 2024
Ranking | Kentucky Derby betting site | Top feature | Number of sports | Payout speed | Sporting Post rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | DraftKings | Best for beginners | 25+ | 1-5 days | 5/5 |
2 | Caesars Sportsbook | Best for sports selection | 20+ | 1-3 days | 5/5 |
3 | BetMGM | Best for mobile betting | 20+ | 1-3 days | 5/5 |
4 | bet365 | Best for market selection | 20+ | 1-3 days | 4/5 |
5 | BetRivers | Best for live betting | 20+ | 1-3 days | 4/5 |
6 | FanDuel | Best for promos and bonuses | 20+ | 1-5 days | 3/5 |
Best Kentucky Derby betting sites reviewed
Here are the top six Derby betting sites reviewed by Sporting Post's in-house gambling team for your benefit...
1. DraftKings - Best Kentucky Derby betting site for beginners
DraftKings overview
App store rating | 4.8 (iOS), 4.7 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-5 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VI, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 25+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $5 |
Year founded | 2012 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, VIP preferred check, eChecks, Venmo, Online banking, Wire transfer |
Summary
DraftKings is one of the best betting sites for beginners, offering an easy-to-use interface and extensive sports markets.
The platform provides attractive bonuses and promotions, making it appealing for new users, and with operations in 25 US states, DraftKings ensures legal and regulated betting.
The mobile app, available on iOS and Android, is highly rated for its user-friendly design and smooth performance.
DraftKings also excels in live betting, offering a wide range of in-play markets and rapid bet grading.
However, customer service could improve, as it currently lacks phone support and relies on web forms and email.
Overall, DraftKings is an excellent choice for casual and novice bettors looking for a comprehensive and reliable sports betting site.
To learn more, read our expert review of DraftKings.
I turned to DraftKings for their NFL betting and was impressed by the instant payouts—much faster than any other platform I’ve used. The integration with my bank account was seamless, making the process hassle-free.
DraftKings excels with its fast withdrawals and extensive betting markets. Their odds boosts and loyalty rewards are some of the best in the industry, offering real value for regular users.
While they could improve the speed of applying promotions, DraftKings’ overall reliability and strong customer service make it a top choice for serious bettors.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
App betting 📱 | 5/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
DraftKings betting site pros and cons
We consistently put ourselves in the user's shoes and test every sportsbook ourselves, so here are the pros and cons we experienced when using DraftKings sports betting site...
- ✅ DraftKings offer an exclusive VIP program that rewards loyal customers
- ✅ Fast banking methods that will not keep you waiting for your deposits
- ❌ The sports betting site does ask for higher wagers, which can be off-putting for those looking to bet smaller amounts
- ❌ Customer support service was slow at times when we tried to get in touch whilst testing but we did gain access to a representative eventually
2. Caesars Sportsbook - Best Kentucky Derby sports betting site for sports selection
Caesars Sportsbook overview
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.3 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MS, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, WY (+ DC) |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, live 24/7 chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 1966 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, NETELLER, PayPal, ACH Transfer, Discover, AMEX, PayNearMe, Skrill |
Summary
Caesars Sportsbook is a well-renowned sports betting site, popular for its extensive sports selection and reliable customer service.
The platform offers a wide range of markets, including over 25 sports, same-game parlays, and live betting, making it a favorite among sports enthusiasts.
A standout feature is the NFL live streaming, a unique advantage that enhances the betting experience.
Additionally, Caesars provides 'microbetting' options, allowing wagers on specific in-game events for deeper engagement.
Despite some critiques on odds competitiveness and market availability, its user-friendly mobile app and swift payout processing solidify its status as a premier choice for sports bettors.
Learn more with our detailed Caesars Sportsbook review.
As someone who has tested numerous betting platforms, I was intrigued by Caesars Sportsbook’s sign-up bonus—matching my deposit immediately was a strong start. However, I quickly noticed that losing parlays lingered in the active bets section far too long, which cluttered the interface and made managing my bets less efficient.
Caesars stands out in the competitive sportsbook market with its top-tier promotions and odds boosts, which are consistently among the most attractive I've encountered. These perks provide real value and make the platform worth considering, especially for serious bettors.
While Caesars excels in promotions, the app’s interface and functionality lag behind some of its competitors. Issues like the delayed removal of settled bets and occasional technical glitches can hinder the betting experience.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
App betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
Caesars betting site pros and cons
To offer the best recommendations, we put ourselves in the user's position by thoroughly testing each top sports betting site.
Here are the pros and cons of using Caesars Sportsbook...
- ✅ Caesars has a great sports selection to bet on, including popular sports like baseball and football but also sports like table tennis, giving you a great range of options
- ✅ A quick payout service. There were no issues with payouts and everything was very easy
- ❌ Customer support could have been better and more responsive. A long wait when making a query which led to frustration
- ❌ Mobile app betting is not as good as other good sports betting sites. The layout and click response were a little slow
3. BetMGM - Best Kentucky Derby sportsbook for mobile betting
BetMGM overview
App store rating | 4.8 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, IN, IA, IL, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, DC, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: support.[state intials]@betmgm.com |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2018 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe |
Summary
BetMGM is highly regarded as one of the best sports betting sites for mobile betting, offering a first-class experience for US bettors.
The betting app is available on both iOS and Android, providing a seamless and intuitive interface with a vast range of sports and betting options, with one of its standout features is live streaming, allowing users to watch matches in real-time directly on their devices.
BetMGM also offers weekly bonus bets in most states and access to its casino and poker sections, making it a versatile platform for all types of gamblers.
However, withdrawals can be slow, taking at least two banking days, and customer support lacks phone service.
Despite these drawbacks, BetMGM remains a trusted betting site with low margins and a solid reputation in the industry.
To learn more, read our detailed expert review of BetMGM.
I signed up for BetMGM, attracted by their generous deposit bonus which matched my $500 deposit with another $500. I was initially cautious after reading some negative reviews, but my experience turned out to be smooth.
BetMGM’s daily odds boosts add significant value, making them a strong contender despite their standard sports odds. Their casino games are particularly robust, offering a great variety for those who like to mix up their betting.
The app is user-friendly and reliable, with quick deposit and withdrawal processes. However, the absence of horse racing is a minor drawback.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 3/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
BetMGM pros and cons
We test every sports betting site ourselves, so we can understand the user better.
When it comes to BetMGM, here are the advantages and disadvantages of using the site...
- ✅ The mobile betting experience is great, allowing for personalization and smooth navigation
- ✅ Customer support was superb in our opinion and we had no problems getting in contact
- ❌ Whilst most winnings withdrawals were not a problem, some did take a bit of time coming into account
4. bet365 - Best sports betting site for Derby market selection
bet365 overview
App store rating | 4.7 (iOS), 4.6 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, IA, IN, LA, NJ, NC, OH, VA |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: [email protected], |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2000 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, PayPal, Bank Transfer, PayNearMe, Skrill, PaySafe |
Summary
bet365 stands out as one of the best sports betting sites for its extensive selection of markets.
It offers a comprehensive range of sports and events to bet on, catering to diverse interests and preferences.
Users appreciate its fast, reliable platform with a user-friendly interface, both on desktop and mobile devices and bet365's generous welcome offer and ongoing promotions add significant value, especially for new players.
Despite some complaints about occasional issues with bonuses and payouts, the site’s responsible gambling features and clear terms make it a trustworthy option.
Overall, bet365 delivers a robust betting experience, making it a top choice for market variety and reliability.
Read our bet365 review to learn more about the betting site.
bet365 quickly stood out to me, particularly during an NFL game where their early payout feature allowed me to secure my winnings before the final whistle. The speed at which the funds were deposited into my account was unparalleled—minutes after the game ended, I had full access to my money.
bet365 may not boast the most visually appealing interface, but its extensive market options and the flexibility in crafting Same Game Parlays (SGPs) are what truly set it apart. Unlike other platforms that impose limitations, bet365 gives bettors the freedom to build customized bets that align perfectly with their strategies.
Though the user interface could benefit from some refinement, bet365 excels where it matters most—payment speed, market depth, and promotional value. Instant withdrawals, particularly to e-wallets like Skrill, provide a seamless experience, and their no-strings-attached bonus bets are a rarity in the industry.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
App betting 📱 | 5/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
bet365 pros and cons
We always see through the eyes of the user and meticulously test sports betting sites ourselves.
Based on our experience with bet365, these are the pros and cons we encountered...
- ✅ bet365 give users great access to a variety of markets and was by far the best sports betting site we tested
- ✅ The app betting experience was also very good, with a user-friendly interface and easy navigation
- ❌ Only available in a limited number of states, much less compared to other sports betting sites
5. BetRivers - Best Kentucky Derby betting site for live betting
BetRivers overview
App store rating | 4.4 (iOS), 3.7 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-3 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, DE, IN, IA, IL, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2012 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, PayPal, Bank Transfer, PayNearMe, Skrill, PaySafe, Vanilla |
Summary
BetRivers excels as one of the best sports betting sites for live betting and offers a highly active live betting section with a user-friendly interface, allowing bettors to engage with multiple markets in real-time.
The site features live streaming of sports events, including basketball, soccer, and NFL games, which enhances the live betting experience by enabling users to follow the action directly.
Additionally, BetRivers provides convenient banking options with fast withdrawals, ensuring seamless transactions.
While customer support isn’t available 24/7, the overall functionality and live betting features make BetRivers a top choice for sports bettors.
With boosted odds, betting insurance, and same-game parlays, BetRivers delivers a comprehensive and dynamic live betting experience.
To learn more, read our extensive BetRivers review.
As an experienced bettor, I decided to give BetRivers a try, lured by their competitive sign-up bonus. I placed a wager on an NBA game, and what really stood out was how quickly I could withdraw my winnings—by the next morning, the funds were already in my account, which isn’t something you see with every platform.
BetRivers may not have the flashiest interface, but their customer service and fast payouts are top-tier. For seasoned bettors, these factors are far more important than a polished design, making BetRivers a reliable choice in the betting landscape.
Despite its strengths, BetRivers does have room for improvement, particularly with its user interface, which feels outdated and cumbersome, especially with the need for separate apps by state. However, the platform’s efficiency in withdrawals, strong promotions, and responsive customer support outweigh these drawbacks.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 3/5 |
App betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 4/5 |
BetRivers pros and cons
We always think of the user and test sports betting sites thoroughly ourselves.
Based on our experience with BetRivers, these are the benefits and drawbacks we encountered...
- ✅ Excellent live betting with regularly updated and competitive odds and HD sports streaming for users to engage with whilst betting
- ✅ The interface on both the site and mobile were great for users
- ❌ BetRivers is only available in some states and has much less reach than other betting sites
- ❌ We found it difficult at times to find customer support services and to gain access to them
6. FanDuel - Best for Kentucky Derby bonuses and promos
FanDuel overview
App store rating | 4.9 (iOS), 4.5 (Android) |
Payout speed | 1-5 days |
Promo bet offer | |
Live streaming | Yes |
States active | AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY |
Number of sports | 20+ |
Customer support | Twitter, 24/7 live chat, email: [email protected] |
Minimum deposit | $10 |
Year founded | 2009 |
Casino betting | Yes |
Payment methods | Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, PayPal, Skrill, PayNearMe, online banking, Venmo, Wire Transfer, PayNearMe |
Summary
FanDuel stands out as one of the premier betting sites, particularly for its generous promotions and bonuses.
New users can enjoy a welcome bonus where a $5 bet can yield $200 if it wins, offering an enticing start for newcomers.
The platform excels with its user-friendly experience, competitive odds, and extensive coverage of over 20 sports, making it a top choice for sports enthusiasts.
Live betting, same-game parlays, and exclusive live streaming options further enhance its appeal.
Despite limited cash-out options and no shared wallet between sportsbook and fantasy sports, FanDuel's state-specific promotions and rapid payout speeds within 24 hours solidify its reputation.
With an iOS rating of 4.9, FanDuel is a reliable and dynamic sports betting site.
To learn more, read our extensive FanDuel review.
I was immediately impressed by FanDuel’s odds, especially when I placed a 6-leg NFL parlay. The difference in potential payout compared to other platforms was staggering—FanDuel offered nearly five times the return, which confirmed its value for maximizing profits.
FanDuel’s higher payouts on parlays and the flexibility in adjusting spreads make it an essential tool for serious bettors. Their early cash-out feature is particularly useful for managing risk, allowing more strategic control over wagers.
Despite its strengths in odds and market variety, FanDuel could enhance its offering by improving customer loyalty promotions and streamlining the app’s interface. However, the platform’s fast withdrawals and consistent market fairness position it as a top contender in the betting industry.
Site feature | SmartStake score |
|---|---|
Customer support 📞 | 4/5 |
Deposits + payouts 💵 | 4/5 |
Usability 🔧 | 4/5 |
Mobile betting 📱 | 4/5 |
Bonuses + promos 💰 | 4/5 |
Live play 📺 | 3/5 |
FanDuel pros and cons
We prioritize the user by testing each leading sports betting site.
From a customer-first point of view, these are the advantages and disadvantages of FanDuel...
- ✅ A vast and competitive selection of promo and bonus offers that reward not only new customers but also loyal ones
- ✅ State-specific promo offers give customers a great selection of opportunities for sports betting
- ❌ Withdrawals were slow, we found, and often took longer than other top sports betting sites
- ❌ FanDuel lacks a loyalty program that so many other top betting sites offer to their customers
How we rate & rank Kentucky Derby online betting sites
Our goal is to provide objective, unbiased reviews of betting sites for the Kentucky Derby, making it easy to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
We use a consistent set of nine criteria to evaluate each site, ensuring that you can compare them effectively and easily:
Safety: We verify if the site is licensed in the US and review its operating history, ensuring your money and data are secure.
Mobile betting app: We evaluate the sportsbook's layout, functionality, and ease of placing bets, ensuring a smooth mobile betting experience.
Web betting site: We test the betting site’s features, including customization options and the bet placement process, looking for ease of use and accessibility.
Betting markets: We examine the variety of sports and betting options available, comparing the breadth and quality of markets across different sports betting sites.
Pre-match and in-play betting: We assess both pre-match and live betting features, focusing on user-friendliness, versatility, and market variety.
Bonuses & promotions: We review the fairness and value of sign-up bonuses, free bets, and ongoing promotions, ensuring transparent terms and competitive offers.
Deposits & withdrawals: We evaluate payment options, processing times, fees, and the overall ease of transactions for deposits and withdrawals.
Customer support: We test the responsiveness and effectiveness of support channels like live chat, email, and phone to resolve any issues quickly.
Security: We ensure online sportsbooks use robust security measures, such as SSL encryption, to protect your personal and financial information.
We download each sports betting site and interact with the platform ourselves, using our own money to test the quality.
If we do not recommend the sportsbook to our friends and family, we will not recommend it to you!
This streamlined approach ensures you can make informed decisions based on what matters most in your online betting experience.
You can view our dedicated page for more information on how we test and review betting sites.
Additionally, you can view all of our betting site reviews.
How do I choose a Kentucky Derby betting site for me?
Legitimacy and licensing: Ensure the platform is licensed by relevant US authorities, such as state gaming commissions, to guarantee legal and secure betting.
User experience: Look for platforms that offer a smooth, user-friendly interface, with easy navigation for both beginners and experienced bettors.
Betting markets: Choose a site that provides a wide range of betting options for the Kentucky Derby, including exotic wagers like trifectas and superfectas.
Bonuses and promotions: Select platforms that offer competitive bonuses, such as sign-up bonuses or Kentucky Derby-specific promotions, to maximize your betting value.
Deposit and withdrawal options: Check that the site supports a variety of secure payment methods, including credit cards, e-wallets, and direct bank transfers, for easy and fast transactions.
Customer support: Prioritize sports betting sites with responsive, 24/7 customer service, accessible through live chat, phone, or email to resolve any issues promptly.
Mobile accessibility: Ensure the platform has a reliable mobile app or mobile-optimized website for betting on the go, especially on race day.
Reputation and reviews: Research user feedback and industry reviews to assess the site's reputation for fairness, payouts, and overall trustworthiness.
Security measures: Confirm the site employs robust encryption and data protection protocols to safeguard personal and financial information.
Odds and payouts: Compare odds across different platforms to ensure you’re getting the best possible payouts for your Kentucky Derby bets.
How to gamble responsibly on Kentucky Derby sportsbooks
Before we end this article, we need to caution you to always bet responsibly.
To ensure you’re being cautious, betting sites implement various responsible gambling practices that will help you keep your betting habits in check.
Limits: Sportsbooks online allow you to set betting limits, i.e. limit how much you can bet in a day, a week, or a month.
Cashouts: You can withdraw your winnings quite easily from any betting site. This prevents you from spending all of your winnings. There’s also the option for early cashout, so you can still get paid if the bet is starting to go sideways.
Help & resources: Online betting sites provide access to resources for problem gamblers and point them to organizations that can help with gambling addiction.
To help with gambling, we created a 'How To Bet On Sports' guide, that helps new sports bettors understand the industry better, to play safer and more securely.
Responsible gambling organizations and charities in the US
Organization | Contact details |
|---|---|
Email: [email protected], Phone: 1-800-522-4700 | |
Email: [email protected], Phone: 020 7381 7722 | |
Email: [email protected], Phone: 1-888-532-3500 |
Frequently asked questions
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Editorial policy
Our editorial policy ensures thoroughly researched, accurate, and unbiased content through strict sourcing standards and diligent review by top betting experts and seasoned editors.
This process maintains the integrity, relevance, and value of our content for our readers.
References
To test betting sites accurately, we dive into analytical research of the gambling industry, to understand what features are best for you.
Below are the references we use when making these decisions:
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