How to Place a Kentucky Derby Bet With FanDuel: A Quick Walkthrough Guide

Updated May. 2, 2026 3:40 p.m. ET

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The Kentucky Derby is one of the biggest betting events of the year, and if you’re looking to get involved, knowing how to place a bet quickly and correctly can make all the difference when the gates open.

Getting started with FanDuel is simple. FanDuel gives users access to horse racing through FanDuel Racing, its dedicated racebook platform that features hundreds of races across the U.S. and internationally—including the Derby itself. From there, you can choose your bet type—win, place, or show are the most common, but exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets offer bigger payouts if you’re feeling bold. After selecting your horse or combination, enter your wager amount, review the odds, and confirm your bet before post time.

The key is timing and strategy—do you ride with the favorite, or take a shot on a longshot for a massive payout? Once your bet is placed on FanDuel, all that’s left is to watch the race unfold and see if your pick can surge down the stretch at Churchill Downs.

Start with the New User offer

If you’re new to FanDuel, their welcome offer provides the best value. New users can bet $5 and get $250 in bonus bets if that first wager wins. 

FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Racing share a single account and wallet in many states, making it easy to move between sports betting and racing without missing a beat. 

However, there’s an important distinction—bonus bets are tied to the platform they’re issued from. That means Sportsbook bonus bets can’t be used on racing, but any cash winnings you earn can be used freely across both.

How to Claim the $250 in Bonus Bets, No Promo Code Needed

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  1. Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook using this link.
  2. Place your first cash wager of any type of at least $5.
  3. Get your Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($250) in Sportsbook Bonus Bets only if your wager wins.
  4. If your first cash wager loses, you will not be eligible for the $250 in Sportsbook Bonus Bets.
  5. Ineligible bets: cashed out wagers, and wagers placed using bonus funds or profit boost tokens.
  6. Limit of one promotional bonus per person.
  7. Max bonus of Two Hundred and Fifty Dollars ($250) in Bonus Bets.

FanDuel Racing welcome bonus

New FanDuel Racing users can grab a welcome deal—bet $5 and earn a $25 racing bonus if it hits. The bigger value typically sits with the FanDuel new user offer, a $5 wager can win $250 in bonus bets, making it the stronger starting point for new players.

Start by maximizing FanDuel's welcome offer, then use your bonus bets to dive into the action on FanDuel Racing. With a shared wallet, live streaming, and a wide range of bets, you’ll be fully equipped for one of the most exciting two minutes in sports.

Where is FanDuel Racing Eligible?

Eligible states like Colorado, Illinois, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania, users can even access racing directly through the main Sportsbook app, creating a smooth, all-in-one betting experience.

For states where that integration isn’t available, FanDuel Racing operates as its own platform—but still connects to your main account and wallet where permitted.

FanDuel Kentucky Derby odds

FanDuel Racing's odds are subject to change up until the race.

  1. Renegade: 5-1
  2. Albus: 49-1
  3. Intrepido: 54-1
  4. Litmus Test: 34-1
  5. Commandment: 7-1
  6. Danon Bourbon: 15-1
  7. So Happy: 6-1
  8. Wonder Dean: 20-1
  9. Incredibolt: 27-1
  10. Chief Wallabee: 9-1
  11. Potente: 23-1
  12. Emerging Market: 11-1
  13. Pavlovian: 52-1
  14. Six Speed: 39-1
  15. Further Ado: 7-1
  16. Golden Tempo: 35-1
  17. Great White: 28-1
  18. Ocelli: 99-1
  19. Robusta: 99-1

FanDuel Kentucky Derby Markets

Here are the different types of bets you can make with FanDuel:

  • Win bet: This is your straight bet on the winner of the race.
  • Place bet: Pick a horse to finish within the top two of the race.
  • Show bet: Pick a horse to finish in the top three of the race.
  • Exacta: Bet on the exact order of the top two finishers.
  • Trifecta: Bet on the exact order of the top three finishers.
  • Superfecta: Bet on the exact order of the top four finishers.