Legal Betting By The Numbers: 2019 Kentucky Derby

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The 2019 Kentucky Derby is less than 24 hours away, with contenders getting in their last few hours of training. Fans interested in the legal betting aspect of the race are also finalizing their picks ahead of the main event on Saturday.

This marks a very special year, as it will be the 145th running of the iconic race. However, ‘145’ is not the only number with significance as it pertains to the first jewel of the Triple Crown, as there are plenty of other stats and figures to consider.

Take a closer look at the 2019 Kentucky by numbers, as it pertains to legal horse betting:

40 – The number of states that permit legal horse racing betting. This includes states that do not have live race tracks, but offer locals the opportunity to bet on simulcast races from off-track betting locations.

18 – The minimum age to bet on the Kentucky Derby in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, however not every state has the same rule on pari-mutuel wagering as the Bluegrass State. There are certain states that have laws requiring bettors be 21 before placing wagers, especially when visiting a land-based sportsbook to place horse bets. It is strongly advised to check the legal betting age for your state before placing any wagers.

$225,671,089 – Last year was one for the record books, as bettors legally wagered over a total of $225 million on the overall Derby Day program. The handle on the 2018 Kentucky Derby race in particular increased by 8% to $149.9 million, up from $139.2 million the previous year.

$238M est. – The 2019 Kentucky Derby is estimated to topple last year’s record, with WalletHub predicting around $238 million to be wagered at tracks, OTBS, and licensed online sportsbooks this year. It is worth noting, however, this number may be higher than predicted thanks to increasing number of opportunities to legally bet on sports available across the U.S.

10:00 AM ET – The approximate time that wager windows will open at Churchill Downs on Derby Day.

34 – The number of races with included in Churchill Downs’ spring meet, which includes the 145th running of the Kentucky Derby. The season started on April 27th and is scheduled to end June 29th, with over $30 million in total prize money being awarded to the competitors.

$1,200,000 – The amount won when a Texas woman placed an $18 bet on a combination of races during last year’s program. The woman correctly predicted a Pick 5, which included Funny Duck (39-1), Limousine Liberal (10-1), Yoshida (9-1), Maraud (8-1), and Justify (7-2).

91/1 – The highest paid winner in terms of longshot odds was a gambler who wagered on Donerail at 91.45-1 odds in 1913. That translates to a $184.90 payoff for a $2 wager.

19 – The number of horses remaining on the eve of the 2019 Run for the Roses. While the field began with a total of 20, only 19 horses remain after early-week favorite Omaha Beach and longshot Haikal were scratched from the race.

$3,000,000 – The purse for the 2019 Kentucky Derby increased by 50%, with the prize totaling $3 million across the top 5 race winners. First place winner takes home $1.86 million, with $600,000 to the second and the remainder divided between the third to fifth place finishers.

$151.8 Million – The most money paid out to winning bettors, which occurred in 2016 when Nyquist (morning line favorite) beat the rest of the field.

150,000+ – Churchill Downs estimates that over 150,000 fans will be present for Derby Day. This number pales in comparison to the millions that place wagers on the Kentucky Derby each year. The current proposition wager on the official attendance of the 2019 Kentucky Derby stands at over/under 157,813 attendees.

1 – Only one horse can take home the Kentucky Derby title and potentially become the next Triple Crown winner. The post time for the 2019 Kentucky Derby is at 6:50 pm ET on Saturday, May 4. Live coverage will begin on NBC Sports Network at 12 pm ET, switching over to NBC at 2:30 pm ET.