The 150th Run for the Roses will take place on Saturday, May 4th, at Churchill Downs, Kentucky and some are predicting another record-setting handle. Meanwhile, mobile sports betting titan, FanDuel, is gearing up with a series of bonus offers for new and existing customers.
Record Breaking Day
The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of the Triple Crown and is widely regarded as the most popular. With the advent of mobile wagering and off-track simulcasts, the horse racing industry has experienced an increase in popularity. But the biggest races always attract the most attention and on May 4th, the most well-known race of them all will celebrate its 150th birthday.
The hoopla surrounding the Derby Day racing card is likely to bring another record-breaking handle, surpassing last year’s $288.7 million handle on the day’s entire card while $188.7 million of that was wagered on the Kentucky Derby itself, another record. The $288.7 million in 2023 outpaced the $273.8 million in 2022 and the $233 million handle in 2021.
This year, the experts are confident that the handle on the Derby only will beat the $188.7 million from last year and could easily eclipse $200 million while the entire racing card is likely to bring in over $300 million in wagers.
Andrew Moore, General Manager of Racing at FanDuel, said, “The Kentucky Derby has broken its own handle record the past two consecutive years. Given the excitement around the 150th anniversary and the increased reach via online sportsbooks like FanDuel, we expect another record year in handle.”
FanDuel Preps for Derby Day
Between a $20 “no-sweat bet” on its FanDuel Sportsbook or Racing app and FanDuel TV’s wall-to-wall coverage of live racing – excluding those races that are exclusive to NBC – at Churchill Downs beginning on April 27th, FanDuel has gone all-in on Derby week and Derby Day.
“The Kentucky Derby is a special sports tradition and FanDuel is proud to partner with Churchill Downs for the 150th edition of the race,” said FanDuel’s Andrew Moore. “FanDuel continues to lead the industry as the only online sportsbook to offer a single account and wallet for sports and horse racing wagering.”
“Coupling this exceptional race and our leading technology is a unique opportunity to introduce new fans to the sport of horse racing. We will be utilizing our platform to bring FanDuel customers a set of special offers and a one-of-a-kind experience for the Derby.”
More to Look Forward To
FanDuel TV’s “Coverage of Kentucky Derby Week” will feature industry experts and top-notch horse racing handicappers who will explain the races and reveal their selections for each televised race. There will also be a lead-up to the big event on May 4th that will cover an analysis of everything from the horses themselves to the jockey, trainers, and even the owners.
“We couldn’t be more excited to bring our loyal audience live racing and unprecedented access during Derby Week on FanDuel TV. We thank Churchill Downs Inc. for our partnership,” said Kevin Grigsby, Executive Producer and SVP of FanDuel TV. “There is no bigger event in horse racing than the Kentucky Derby and FanDuel TV will be there for every step of the action.”
