The best Kentucky Derby betting Canada has to offer is raring and ready to go! As the world’s most renowned horse race, the Kentucky Derby has attracted massive crowds and kept sports bettors champing at the bit every year since 1875. With the 151st Derby just around the corner on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Churchill Downs, it’s the perfect time to review the top Kentucky Derby betting sites.
Best Kentucky Derby Betting Sites
Although some of our top Kentucky Derby betting sites don’t have any odds yet (“yet” being the keyword), these bookies are some of the best Canadian horse betting sites in the biz! Here are the best Kentucky derby betting sites available in Canada.
1. BetVictor
Kentucky Derby betting online shouldn’t be a hassle, especially when you use BetVictor! Known for offering the hottest prices on horses, BetVictor has had our back trackside since 1946—not only as a pioneer but an innovator in the sports betting industry. Sign up for BetVictor and be the first to lock in the sharpest Kentucky Derby odds 2025 is dishing out.
2. William Hill
If you’re looking to bet on the Kentucky Derby in Canada, William Hill is one of your best bets—at least, until the other bookmakers catch up with their odds. William Hill is a true industry leader in horse racing and consistently offers odds where other Kentucky Derby betting sites fall short. However, the website isn’t very intuitive for new bettors—but if you’re up for it, lock in the latest odds and sign up now. Please note, that William Hill is not available in Ontario at this time.
3. bet365
bet365 pulled its Kentucky Derby odds at the time of writing (boo!), but we’re optimistic that the site will roll out even more horse racing markets closer to the main event. Honestly, it’s worth the wait—bet365 pumps out superior odds, provides a streamlined sports betting experience, and is widely known as the world’s favourite sportsbook (now, that’s saying something, eh?). Check out bet365 today!
4. 888sport
The best Kentucky Derby betting Canada has to offer in terms of prop bets comes from none other than 888sport. This sportsbook may be a little late to the game when it comes to publishing odds, but with a carriage-full more Kentucky Derby betting options than the other sportsbooks on our list (take a look under ‘bet-finder’), we can give this bookie a break. Please note, that 888sport is not available in Ontario at this time.
5. BET99
Unlike other Canadian Kentucky Derby betting sites, horse racing is less of a focus at BET99. In fact, horse racing markets usually go live closer to the Kentucky Derby (and other major events) at BET99— but we expect to see the same solid odds. Explore BET99 and everything it has to offer, from its sleek website design and grade-A customer service reps to unique props and competitive odds.
How to Bet on Kentucky Derby in Canada
If you’re not one of the countless bettors who know the race inside and out and eagerly await the Kentucky Derby in Canada year after year, you probably won’t mind a quick lap around the track. Here’s how to bet on the Kentucky Derby from Canada in four simple steps:
- Select a Sportsbook. Scroll down for a list of betting sites, or for our full rundowns, check out our horse racing betting sites. When selecting a bookie from our list, consider the available betting markets, leagues, and payment methods.
- Create your account. After finding your perfect sportsbook (or dozen), sign up using one of our exclusive links. You’ll need to provide personal details, create a super secret password, confirm your location, and verify your identity through a secure platform.
- Deposit funds in your account. This might not come as a surprise, but sportsbooks make it really freaking easy to deposit money. All you need to do is locate the cashier page (top right—easy), select a payment method, enter your deposit amount and payment details, and click to confirm.
- Place your bet on the Kentucky Derby. Now’s the time for you to get in on the Kentucky Derby betting online. Saddle up and get ready to pick your horse—will they win, place, or show? Once you find odds that flutter your fancy, click ’em, enter your wager amount, and confirm your bet slip.
Kentucky Derby Betting in Ontario
Kentucky Derby betting is legal in Ontario and throughout the rest of Canada. Pari-mutuel betting (where all bets are pooled and split among the winners) is completely legal across Canada, and the steps to bet on the Kentucky Derby are more or less the same in Ontario. Unfortunately, Ontario doesn’t have access to William Hill Sportsbook (one of our top horses in this race), unlike the rest of the country.
Wondering how to bet on the Kentucky Derby in Ontario? Don’t worry, we’ve got your back! For Kentucky Derby betting, Ontario bettors should trot on over to BetVictor—ready, set, WAGER! Just sign up using our link, fund your bankroll, browse the odds, and bet on the Kentucky Derby for your shot at a share of the prize pool.
Kentucky Derby Best Bets
As one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year, the Kentucky Derby is covered from every angle across betting markets, with some Kentucky Derby sportsbooks known for spicing things up with a variety of unique prop bets (oh, la, la!). For the rookies looking to saddle up, rest assured, we’ll break down the top Kentucky Derby betting markets.
Before we charge ahead, it’s important to know the same odds can look drastically different depending on the format a sportsbook uses:
- American odds (+500)
- Fractional odds (5/1)
- Decimal odds (6.00).
When in doubt, you can always use our handy dandy odds calculator! (You’re welcome, darling.)
🏇 Kentucky Derby Win Odds
Win odds are usually the mane attraction when it comes to Kentucky Derby betting; Canada just can’t get enough of the action, and bettors tend to favour this straightforward shot by betting on which horse is the first to hoof it across the finish line. While it’s a simple premise, picking a winner from a field of 20 elite thoroughbreds takes a sharp eye (and a crapload of luck)!
🏇 Kentucky Derby Place and Show Odds
If you’re reconsidering your pony’s chances at nabbing the crown, place odds give you a bit more wiggle room: to win your wager, your pick will need to place in first or second.
Show odds are even more forgiving, as your horse just needs to be in the top three. But as you go down the leadership board, so do your potential winnings.
🏇 Kentucky Derby Exacta, Trifecta and Superfecta Wagering Odds
Don’t let these fancy names fool you—exacta, trifecta, and superfecta bets are staples at the stables. Cranking up the difficulty (and the payout, of course), these bets invite bettors to predict the exact finishing order of multiple horses.
- Nail the top two? That’s an exacta!
- Just tri and guess how many horses are in a trifecta—yep, three!
- And if you’re feeling super duper, you can try your hand at a superfecta by predicting the exact finishing order of the top four horses.
🏇 Kentucky Derby Live Odds
The Kentucky Derby live odds shift depending on how much money is rushing into the winnings pool. The more folks wager on a winner-to-be, the shorter its odds become, meaning if you ride the wave of public opinion, don’t be surprised if your payout gets trimmed along the way. Live betting is a thrilling way to join in the action, even if you aren’t watching trackside. And don’t forget to check out if your sportsbook has a live streaming platform so you don’t miss a single stride.
🏇 Kentucky Derby Multi-Race Exotics
Each of these bets involves picking the winners across multiple races—perfect for high-risk, high-reward bettors.
- If you pick the winners of two consecutive races, congratulations, you’ve just nailed the Daily Double.
- There’s also a Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, and Pick 6 (you’ll figure it out; we believe in you).
Pro tip: Some Kentucky Derby betting sites let you increase your coverage by boxing multiple combinations, so just be prepared to pay for the extra protection.
Tips for Successful Kentucky Derby Betting Canada
Besides wishing for a miracle, there are a handful of things you can do to get a leg up on the competition when betting on the Kentucky Derby in Canada. Here are our top tips:
💡 Researching Horses and Odds
Okay, this one is an obvious one, but let’s go over it anyway. As bettors, research is often our bread and butter (it certainly is for this writer). When it comes to Kentucky Derby predictions, it’s essential to review each horse’s past performances, evaluate the jockey’s skills and chemistry with their horse, and not overlook a trainer’s track record. The more you know, the better your chances of placing a bet that actually goes the distance.
💡 Understanding Track Conditions
Of course, all our research could be all for naught should the winds change—literally. Weather is a significant factor in how horses perform on race day. Too much sun or humidity can quickly overheat these thousand-pound steeds—not to mention how rain and other weather can affect the physical conditions of the track. No one wants to be slip-sliding with mud in their eyes on race day.
💡 Managing Your Bankroll
Our top tips for novice bettors? Set a budget, review responsible gaming resources, and actively aim to create healthy gambling habits. Most Kentucky Derby betting sites offer built-in tools, like daily, weekly, and monthly spending limits, plus self-exclusion options if you ever need a breather. Additionally, you can create a personal betting budget and use prepaid Visa cards to help you stick to your limits.
Kentucky Derby Odds 2025
We’ve got your back with the latest 2025 Kentucky Derby odds! Just remember, odds can shift as race day approaches, so if you’re planning to bet on the Kentucky Derby, stay tuned and be ready to lock in the sharpest odds when the time is right. These odds were last updated on Apr 30, 2025:
Kentucky Derby Odds 2025 | ||
---|---|---|
Journalism | +300 | +250 |
Sovereignty | +600 | +500 |
Luxor Cafe | +700 | +900 |
Sandman | +1000 | +1000 |
Burnham Square | +1000 | +1200 |
Final Gambit | +1400 | +2000 |
Rodriguez | +1600 | +1400 |
Baeza | +1600 | +2000 |
East Avenue | +2000 | +1600 |
Citizen Bull | +2000 | +1600 |
Tiztastic | +2000 | +2000 |
American Promise | +2500 | +2500 |
Grande | +2500 | +2500 |
Coal Battle | +3300 | +2500 |
Admire Daytona | +4000 | +3300 |
Publisher | +4000 | +3300 |
Owen Almighty | +5000 | +5000 |
Chunk of Gold | +5000 | +4000 |
Flying Mohawk | +6600 | +5000 |
Kentucky Derby Predictions: 2025 Favourites
Let’s size up the 2025 Kentucky Derby favourites—one of them might just gallop onto your bet slip.
Current Favourite: Journalism
Talk about front-page news! If you want to bet on Kentucky Derby favourites, Journalism is the current frontrunner after outpacing the previously undefeated Barnes in the San Felipe Stakes and clocking a blistering 108 Beyer Speed Figure. Journalism has serious speed in its blood and a pedigree made to go the distance. By Curlin (fathered by), a two-time Horse of the Year, and out of Mopotism (ahem—the mother pops ’em out), a Grade 1-placed mare—this colt isn’t just a contender, he’s making headlines.
- Owner: Bridlewood Farm, Don Alberto Stable, Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners, Elayne Stables 5 LLC, LaPenta, Robert V., Magnier-Lessee, Mrs. John, Smith-Lessee, Derrick and Tabor-Lessee, Michael B.
- Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
- Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
- Earnings to date: $600,000
Journalism To Win 2025 Kentucky Derby
Runner-Up: Sovereignty
With a jaw-dropping last-to-first victory in the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park, surpassing River Thames and Burnham Square, Sovereignty is quickly climbing the ranks—and the Kentucky Derby online betting odds. Trained by Bill Mott, the youngest person ever inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, Sovereignty has shown remarkable progression under his expert guidance, is a relentless closer, and is more than ready to take on the 1¼-mile challenge at Churchill Downs.
- Owner: Godolphin
- Trainer: William I. Mott
- Jockey: Manuel Franco
- Earnings to date: $548,800
Sovereignty To Win 2025 Kentucky Derby
Luxor Café
With four consecutive wins, Luxor Café didn’t just qualify—he dominated Japan’s Road to the Kentucky Derby with 70 points and a one-way ticket to Churchill Downs. When you bet on the Kentucky Derby in Canada, remember winning runs in Luxor Café’s blood. His sire (daddy dearest) is American Triple Crown champ American Pharoah, his full brother Café Pharoah is a two-time G1 winner in Japan, and his half-sister is U.S. turf star Regal Glory. The momma mare extraordinaire? Mary’s Follies—AKA the dam.
- Owner: Koichi Nishikawa
- Trainer: Noriyuki Hori
- Jockey: Joao Moreira
- Earnings to date: $128,341
Luxor Café To Win 2025 Kentucky Derby
Tappan Street
With three starts, two wins, and one second-place finish, Tappan Street is turning heads and shortening odds after his big win in the Florida Derby, which scored him a spot in the Kentucky Derby. Under Brad Cox’s cool-handed guidance, Tappan Street’s proven he can sprint, stretch out, and stalk the pace with serious style. Add in his pedigree that balances speed and stamina, and this colt is certainly making a strong case for himself—and in terms of Kentucky Derby betting, Canada should take note.
- Owner: WinStar Farm LLC, CHC, Inc. and Cold Press Racing
- Trainer: Brad H. Cox
- Jockey: Saez, Luis
- Earnings to date: $619,400
Tappan Street to Win Kentucky Derby
Sandman
Raking in the big bucks with over a million dollars in earnings, Sandman didn’t just make bank—he made a name for himself and snagged a spot in the Kentucky Derby! With three wins from eight starts, including a decisive nine-furlong score, Sandman’s proving that he’s more than a pretty face and pedigree. If you’re looking to bet on horse racing, check out Sandman, who could very well gallop his way into the winner’s circle.
- Owner: D. J. Stable LLC, St. Elias Stable, West Point Thoroughbreds and CJ Stables
- Trainer: Mark E. Casse
- Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
- Earnings to date: $1,117,995
Sandman To Win 2025 Kentucky Derby
Burnham Square
From maiden claimer to Grade 1 Blue Grass winner, scrapping in nearly seven figures, Burnham Square is a dark horse every bettor dreams of, becoming one of the most reliable runners in the field and a true closer on the track. His pedigree screams stamina (thanks, Liam’s Map)—and, despite this gelding’s (ouch!) slow start, Burnham Square is one to watch when you bet on horse racing come Derby Day.
- Owner: Whitham Thoroughbreds LLC
- Trainer: Ian R. Wilkes
- Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr.
- Earnings to date: $927,425
Burnham Square To Win 2025 Kentucky Derby
Last 10 Kentucky Derby Champions
Year | Horse | Jockey |
---|---|---|
2024 | Mystic Dan | Brian Hernandez Jr. |
2023 | Mage | Javier Castellano |
2022 | Rich Strike | Sonny Leon |
2021 | Mandaloun | Florent Geroux |
2020 | Authentic | John Velazquez |
2019 | Country House | Flavien Prat |
2018 | Justify | Mike E. Smith |
2017 | Always Dreaming | John Velazquez |
2016 | Nyquist | Mario Gutierrez |
2015 | American Pharoah | Victor Espinoza |
Kentucky Derby Statistical Records
The Kentucky Derby has repped some serious horsepower since 1875, producing 150 winners and counting. Held on the first Saturday in May, the big race caps off a two-week-long Derby Festival full of big hats, bourbon, and bragging rights. It’s a Grade I stakes race for three-year-old Thoroughbreds, charging 1 1/4 miles around Churchill Downs—with colts and geldings carrying 126 pounds and fillies a slightly lighter load of 121.
Over the years, records have been shattered for speed, winning margins, and more.
Speed record:
- Mile and a Quarter: 1:592⁄5 – Secretariat (1973)
- Mile and a Half: 2:341⁄2 – Spokane (1889)
Margin of Victory:
- 8 lengths – Old Rosebud (1914), Johnstown (1939), Whirlaway (1941), Assault (1946)
Most wins by a jockey:
- 5 – Eddie Arcaro (1938, 1941, 1945, 1948, 1952)
- 5 – Bill Hartack (1957, 1960, 1962, 1964, 1969)
Most wins by a trainer:
- 6 – Ben A. Jones (1938, 1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952)
- 6 – Bob Baffert (1997, 1998, 2002, 2015, 2018, 2020)
Most wins by an owner:
- 8 – Calumet Farm (1941, 1944, 1948, 1949, 1952, 1957, 1958, 1968)
Longest shot to win the Derby:
- 91 to 1 – Donerail (1913)
How We Review the Best Kentucky Derby Betting Sites
We’re all about bringing you the cream of the crop—only top-tier sportsbooks earn a spot in our stable. Let’s break down the criteria we use to break down the competition.
🔐 Sportsbook Security
Player safety is always a top priority. That’s why we only recommend legal, reputable sportsbooks that are regulated by proper gaming authorities, use industry-standard protections like SSL encryption, and actively promote responsible gambling. If something feels off, trust your gut—or just stick to our vetted recommendations. Please play responsibly and review your local gambling rules and regulations.
🙋 Customer Experience
Placing a wager should be stress-free, not a struggle to find odds—let alone place a bet. We know losing a wager stings, but using your sportsbook shouldn’t. Having access to an intuitive sports betting platform and a knowledgeable 24/7 customer service team is every bettor’s dream. Arguably, the perfect platform wouldn’t need a customer service team, but the platform wouldn’t be perfect without one.
💰 Banking and Payout
We prefer betting sites that offer speedy transactions, no fees, and a variety of payment types, including classics like Interac E-Transfer and credit cards, as well as online specialties like PayPal and Bitcoin. Is that too much to ask for? Not for our top Kentucky Derby betting sites, that’s for sure! Of course, deposits should be simple and near-instant (sportsbooks want our money, after all), but we also expect betting sites to offer reasonable to quick withdrawals and the same straightforward process.
📱 Mobile Betting Experience
From long lines trackside to scrolling odds on your phone, Kentucky Derby betting has officially gone mobile—so you best bet we prioritize Kentucky Derby betting sites with standout Canadian mobile betting apps. We look for solid apps (no bugs, please) that are available across iOS and Android devices and have a user-friendly interface with a streamlined sports betting experience.
Final Word: Kentucky Derby Betting Canada
As we near the main event, Kentucky Derby betting sites in Canada will start kicking things into high gear. Now’s the time to saddle up, scout out the top contenders, and explore all the Kentucky Derby betting markets on offer. Consider which of our top Kentucky Derby betting sites would work best for you, and start betting today! Check back with us for the latest Kentucky Derby odds, expert betting insights, and all our top picks.
Kentucky Derby FAQ
Yes! In terms of Kentucky Derby betting, Canada has a variety of online betting sites to choose from—just be sure to sign up with a reputable sportsbook, and please play responsibly.
Yes, siree—betting on the Kentucky Derby is legal in Canada. Check out our top Canadian Kentucky Derby betting sites and saddle up for the hottest horse racing betting around.
Journalism +250, Sovereignty +500, and Luxor Café +900 are the top three favorites—at least, according to the latest 2025 Kentucky Derby betting odds at BetVictor.
Scorching, bred in Ontario, is Canada’s one and only shot at Kentucky Derby glory this year. But as lines on Scorching are only available upon request through our top sportsbooks, the odds aren’t looking great for this Canadian colt.
If you bet on the Kentucky Derby and lay down $100 on a horse with +300 odds (3/1) to win, and your colt crosses the finish line first, you can trot away $300 in winnings ($400 total). All you need to do is create a sports betting account, deposit funds, browse the odds and markets, and place your wager.
For win, place, and show bets, the minimum wager is usually $2; however, minimums may vary across Kentucky Derby betting sites.