
How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby 2026 With BetMGM
This is your Complete Guide on How to Bet on the 2026 Kentucky Derby with BetMGM Today!
Oliver Leonard - May 2, 2026, 2:00 PM EDT
5 Minute ReadHow to Bet on the Kentucky Derby 2026 With BetMGM
The 2026 Kentucky Derby returns to Churchill Downs on Saturday, May 2, bringing with it the pageantry, tradition, and high‑stakes wagering that make it the most-watched horse race in the United States.
Whether you’re betting on the Derby winner, building exotic tickets, or following the full Derby Day undercard, many fans naturally look to BetMGM - one of the biggest names in U.S. betting.
But here’s the key: BetMGM Sportsbook and BetMGM Horse Racing are completely separate products. And unlike other racing platforms, BetMGM Horse Racing does not offer a welcome bonus, while the sportsbook offers one of the most generous safety‑net promos in the industry. CLICK HEREto sign up today.
If you want to bet the Kentucky Derby with BetMGM, here’s exactly how it works, which states support BetMGM Horse Racing, and how to claim the $1,500 First Bet Insurance from BetMGM Sportsbook.
BetMGM Sportsbook Promo: First Bet Insurance Up to $1,500
Even though this promo cannot be used on horse racing, it is by far the best-value offer available to new BetMGM customers.
BetMGM First Bet Insurance Up to $1,500 (All Other States)
For all other legal betting states:
Step One: CLICK HERE or Visit BetMGM or click the widget and enter bonus code OCMAX1500 if prompted.
Step Two: Deposit $10–$1,500.
Step Three: Place your first qualifying wager (straight, parlay, SGP, etc.).
Step Four: If your bet wins, you keep profits + stake.
Step Five: If it loses, BetMGM refunds your stake as Bonus Bets (up to $1,500).
Does BetMGM Horse Racing Have a Welcome Bonus?
No. Unlike FanDuel Racing or DK Horse, BetMGM Horse Racing does not offer a new‑customer bonus.
This makes the Sportsbook First Bet Insurance the better option for new users, even if your primary goal is betting the Kentucky Derby.
Where Is BetMGM Horse Racing Available?
BetMGM Horse Racing is currently available in only three states:
- Florida
- Louisiana
- Ohio
This is a standalone app, separate from BetMGM Sportsbook, and operates under different racing regulations.
2026 Kentucky Derby Odds
See the latest Kentucky Derby Odds below:
- Renegade: 5-1
- Albus: 47-1
- Intrepido: 55-1
- Litmus Test: 41-1
- Right to Party: 31-1
- Commandment: 8-1
- Danon Bourbon: 13-1
- So Happy: 6-1
- The Puma: 5-1
- Wonder Dean: 19-1
- Incredibolt: 37-1
- Chief Wallabee: 14-1
- Potente: 28-1
- Emerging Market: 13-1
- Pavlovian: 50-1
- Six Speed: 46-1
- Further Ado: 7-1
- Golden Tempo: 50-1
- Fulleffort: 19-1
- Great White: 96-1
How to Bet on the Kentucky Derby With BetMGM
If you’re in FL, LA, or OH, you can use the BetMGM Horse Racing app to place full pari‑mutuel wagers on the Derby.
Here are the main bet types available:
1. Win, Place, Show
The simplest Derby bets:
- Win: Horse must finish 1st
- Place: Horse must finish 1st or 2nd
- Show: Horse must finish 1st, 2nd, or 3rd
2. Exotic Bets
Higher‑payout wagers requiring multiple correct outcomes:
- Exacta: Top two finishers in order
- Trifecta: Top three in order
- Superfecta: Top four in order
You can also box or key these bets to increase your chances.
3. Multi‑Race Bets
Derby Day includes a full undercard, and BetMGM Horse Racing supports:
- Daily Double
- Pick 3
- Pick 4
- Pick 5
- Pick 6
These can produce massive payouts on Derby weekend.
4. Live Odds & Race Streaming
BetMGM Horse Racing provides:
- Real‑time odds
- Race replays
- Full Derby Day wagering menu
How to Watch the 2026 Kentucky Derby
You can watch the Kentucky Derby through:
- NBC
- FanDuel TV
- NBC Sports App
BetMGM Kentucky Derby 2026 FAQs
Can I bet on the Kentucky Derby using BetMGM Sportsbook?
No. Derby bets must be placed through BetMGM Horse Racing, not the sportsbook.
Does BetMGM Horse Racing have a welcome bonus?
No. BetMGM Horse Racing does not offer a new‑customer promotion.
Which BetMGM promo is best for new users?
The Sportsbook First Bet Insurance up to $1,500 is the best-value offer.
Is BetMGM Horse Racing available in my state?
Only in Florida, Louisiana, and Ohio.
Can I use sportsbook Bonus Bets on horse racing?
No. Bonus Bets from BetMGM Sportsbook cannot be used on BetMGM Horse Racing.








