Why Can't I Bet the Kentucky Derby on Draftkings From New York State?

DraftKings is available for sports betting in the Empire State, however, you won't be able to bet the horses with their app.  Find out why below.

More folks have bet sports in New York than any other state in the US.  DraftKings is very much responsible for these results.

Players in New York spent $19.64bn (£15.55bn/€18.13bn) betting on sports online during the Empire State's 2023 financial year, while revenue reached $1.76bn. Total wagers for the 12 months to 31 March 2023 were 19.8% higher than $16.40bn in New York in FY22.

If you want to bet this year's Kentucky Derby race on DraftKings, you're out of luck.  There are certainly alternatives (here).

It was just a year ago that DraftKings announced its partnership with Churchill Downs Inc. to offer DK Horse.  Checking out the Google Play reviews, they're not very good.

It's a multi-year agreement pursuant to which CDI’s subsidiary, TwinSpires, agreed to power the advance deposit pari-mutuel wagering technology for DK Horse. 

DK Horse, however, is a standalone site.  You need to have a separate betting account from your DraftKings sportsbook, which can be a bit of a pain.

“Together with Churchill Downs Incorporated, an industry leader with a deep-rooted history in horse racing, we will deliver an innovative, mobile customer experience,” said Jason Robins, CEO and Chairman of the Board of DraftKings at the time of last year's launch. “Our goal is to provide our customers with best-in-class-sports and gaming products, and we expect DK Horse to provide a fun and new way to engage with renowned races like the upcoming Run for the Roses.”

Interestingly enough, TwinSpires is available to New York State residents, if you want to provide your social security number.

Odds to Win the 2024 Kentucky Derby

All odds courtesy of BetOnline - Live odds here

1     Dornoch         +2500
2     Sierra Leone         +275
3     Mystik Dan         +2400
4     Catching Freedom         +900
5     Catalytic         +4000
6     Just Steel         +2500
7     Honor Marie         +1600
8     Just a Touch         +1100
10     TO Password         +4000
11     Forever Young         +800
12     Track Phantom         +2800
13     West Saratoga         +6000
14     Endlessly         +2800
15     Domestic Product         +2700
16     Grand Mo the First         +5000
17     Fierceness         +250
18     Stronghold         +1700
19     Resilience         +2400
20     Society Man         +2700
21     AE/21 Epic Ride         +4000