FanDuel, an official sportsbook partner of the Kentucky Derby, is boosting its bettor experience for the 150th annual edition of the historic race.
The sportsbook, which markets itself as the only combined horse racing and traditional sportsbook app taking bets on the Kentucky Derby, is offering a “$20 No Sweat Bet” on the race for all its new and existing customers. Customers can place a single horse win wager on the Kentucky Derby through either the FanDuel Sportsbook or the FanDuel Racing app and get up to $20 back as a racing bonus if they don’t win.
FanDuel also offers wagers on the Kentucky Oaks and all Churchill Downs races on Oaks and Derby Days.
“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 Andrew Moore, General Manager of Racing at FanDuel.
“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.”
In addition, FanDuel will broadcast live on-site at Churchill Downs to provide fans with latest reporting and expert analysis leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Starting on opening night on Saturday, April 27, fans can watch the lead-up to the Kentucky Derby and live racing from Churchill Downs (except races for which NBC has exclusive rights) on FanDuel TV and FanDuel TV+. The coverage will include analysis from a wide range of experts and handicappers and will also provide what it calls “unique access” including exclusive interviews with trainers, jockeys and newsmakers.
“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.”
Host Kay Adams will front an “Up & Adams” program broadcast live from Churchill Downs on Thursday, May 2 and Friday, May 3 on FanDuel TV, YouTube and Max. FanDuel will also host the inaugural Kentucky Derby Party on Friday, May 3 at Old Forester’s Paristown Hall in Louisville, Kentucky, featuring country music star Luke Bryan and Grammy award-winning R&B singer Ne-Yo.
While FanDuel offers an all-in-one Kentucky Derby betting solution through its sportsbook app, other operators live in Kentucky will also take bets on the race.
DraftKings‘ DK Horse racing app is live in the state and TwinSpires is also accepting bets on their platform, owned by Churchill Downs.m Meanwhile, in March, KT Group announced that its Whizz Kiosks have been selected as the preferred self-service betting terminals for the Kentucky Derby.
Year of growth for FanDuel
Two weeks ago, FanDuel owner Flutter reported favorable full-year growth from its North American operations despite a significant increase in net losses.
The data showed that FanDuel gained 3.7 million new sports betting and iGaming players in 2023, a 19% uptick year-over-year. The operator’s sports betting operations have a net gaming revenue share of 53.4%.
Kentucky Horse Racing Commission to undergo overhaul
On March 29, the Kentucky legislature approved a sweeping overhaul of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission which will recategorize the group as the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation. Bill SB299 will also remove some of the control the governor has over appointments to the commission. On July 1, 2025 the corporation will also expand to include charitable gambling.
That follows the recent establishment of a sports wagering division by state regulators.
Meanwhile, last week, the Bluegrass State’s sports betting market reported lukewarm February results, with the month’s handle of $208.3 million down from $257.1 million for the prior month.
Kentucky is home to eight online operators. Of those, FanDuel saw the second-highest handle in the state in February at $67.8 million, down from $86.4 million in January.
All in all, Kentucky’s sportsbooks reported slow profits in February compared to January, generating $21.4 million in adjusted gross revenue in February, down from $38.2 million in January.
