Louisville, Kentucky — The excitement is building as the 2025 Kentucky Derby approaches, set to kick off Saturday at 6:57 p.m. Eastern Time. As one of the most anticipated events in the horse racing calendar, this year’s race has drawn significant attention from bettors across the nation.
Three frontrunners have emerged as the main attractions this year: Journalism, favored at 3-1; Sovereignty, whose odds stand at 5-1; and Sandman, with odds of 6-1. These contenders, listed at single-digit odds, are expected to attract a substantial share of wagers. However, many fans may consider backing longshots like Grande and Publisher, both listed at 20-1, or Coal Battle, which has longer odds of 30-1.
For those interested in placing bets, multiple platforms are available, including online betting apps and traditional sportsbooks. TwinSpires and 1/ST BET are two leading options, each offering promotional codes to maximize the betting experience. New users can take advantage of worthwhile incentives when registering for accounts, potentially earning bonus funds to enhance their wagering capabilities.
At TwinSpires, the promo code CBSSPORTS allows bettors to receive up to $400 in bonus funds, contingent on a $1,600 wager within the first 30 days. In contrast, 1/ST BET offers a more modest yet still appealing incentive through promo code 250BET, allowing users to receive $25 for every $100 wagered, up to a total of $250 in bonus bets, which must be fully utilized within 60 days.
When signing up for these platforms, users are required to provide personal information for identity verification, including name, email, date of birth, and social security number. After account creation, funding the betting account is the next step. Most betting apps make the deposit process straightforward, with linking a bank account often being the most efficient and cost-effective option.
Once funds are available, bettors can explore a variety of races listed in the app. The Kentucky Derby will likely feature prominently in the “Featured Races” section leading up to the event. By selecting Kentucky Derby from the menu, users can navigate through the different race numbers, choose their wager types—whether win, place, or exotic bets—and submit their wagers.
Unlike traditional sports betting, where odds remain static once locked in, horse racing odds fluctuate right up to the moment the race begins. This dynamic nature means that bettors can cancel or adjust their wagers until the race is officially underway, a feature not typically found in other sports betting scenarios.
Moreover, it’s essential to understand various betting options, from straightforward win bets to more complex wagers like exactas and trifectas, which predict the top two or three finishers in a race. Those unfamiliar with horse racing betting can find guides detailing different wagering strategies.
Responsible gambling practices are a priority for all online betting platforms. Resources are available to help individuals who may be struggling with gambling issues. Based on state regulations, the minimum age for horse racing betting typically varies, with most states setting the age at 18, while some require bettors to be 21. For assistance, the National Council for Problem Gambling provides support, and those in need can reach out to resources like Gamblers Anonymous or the 24-hour helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER.
As the day of the Derby approaches, the anticipation continues to grow, promising a thrilling experience for both seasoned bettors and newcomers alike.