Betting On The Kentucky Derby

So how does one go about betting at the Kentucky Derby? The answer to that, for lack of a better couple words is carefully and large.

This is one race where people drop more money than an average middle-income home mortgage for a few moments of time on a race. Sure you can bet as you would at any other race, but this is the Kentucky Derby. You should come prepared to wager like a rock star.

This is one race that is so easy to bet; that it's a wonder the entire world does not make at least a small bet on it. You can bet several months in advance if you desire or you can wait until ten minutes before the race to plant your bet. That way you have the freedom to do all the research that your heart desires before laying out the hard earned cash.

The deal with betting months in advance is that the pool of bets generally pays quite well. The main downfall is that if the horse that you pick to win does not run in the race, you get no refund and you are just out the money. Most betters will wait until the actual day of the race to make sure the horse is capable of running before they bet.

If you are looking to make a big score and have faith in the horse that you want, place your money on that horse to win. If you are at all queasy about that, you can spread the bet out over several horses.

It would be wise of you to keep tabs on the horse for at lease several weeks before the derby. See how he is doing and how he is running. Watch some races he is in and make sure he is running well and if you are betting the day of the derby, check television and watch that mornings workouts.

Take the time, well in advance to figure out whether you will be one of the thousands attending it live at Churchill Downs or at your favorite watering hole or OTB facility.

If you are going to watch at somewhere other than the physical race, be sure that at least a week before the race you set yourself up with a legal betting account.

If you are at the downs or a facility that simulcasts the event, you can shuffle up the window and place your bet. The way you do this is very important, you must tell them the track name, which is Churchill Downs, the number of the race, your wager amount and the program numbers of the horses.

That's it, now just watch the race and be sure to hang on to your tickets until such time as the race is declared official.
Simon M Skinner has worked in the online gaming industry since 2000. He has worked for some of the top online sportsbooks and now runs internet marketing for BetAmerica - the top online US horse racing website.