The first leg of the famed Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse races kicks off this weekend on May 6. The Kentucky Derby, also known as the Run for the Roses, is often called the most exciting two minutes in sports.
In New Jersey, fans can watch and wager on the race at any of three live racing tracks, seven off-track facilities or online via one of the NJ horse betting apps.
A 20-horse race with one of the most competitive fields in horse racing, the Derby really is an exciting race to watch. It’s an exciting race for betting as well, whether you’re an experienced handicapper or a first-time bettor.
Several factors make the Kentucky Derby a tough race to predict. For one, it’s a long race: none of the horses have raced 1 ¼ miles. Some of them have never raced at Churchill Downs. In addition, the field is crowded. Most races, including the Preakness and Belmont Stakes, are capped at 14 horses. In most races, you won’t see more than 12.
Anything can happen with a 20-horse field, so it’s anybody’s race. Only 10 post-time favorites have won the race since 2000, and three of the last four winners were longshots. Last year’s winner, Rich Strike (with odds of 80-1), pulled off a first-place finish from the unfavorable No. 20 gate position.
Where to watch and bet on the Kentucky Derby in NJ
New Jersey racetracks feature simulcast betting in addition to live betting, so visitors can watch and bet on races across the country. Of course, that includes the most famous race, the Kentucky Derby.
The racetracks celebrate Derby Day with food and drink specials, exclusive parties and more. New Jersey’s three live racing tracks are:
- Meadowlands Racetrack
- Monmouth Park
- Freehold Raceway
The Meadowlands offers reservation options at the Cafe or Lounge, which includes table service, food credit, and track admittance and seating. Additionally, the Derby Buffet is available by reservation for $64.95.
Monmouth restaurants and bars will be open for walk-in business, but are not taking reservations. There is no live racing at Monmouth on Derby day.
Monmouth locations open at 10 a.m.:
- Lady’s Secret Café
- Caesars Sports Bar
- Patio Bar
- Trifecta 124
Winner’s Circle Terrace Bar opens at 11 a.m., while The Summer Wind welcomes customers at 11:30.
Off-track betting options in New Jersey
If you can’t make it to a track, there are several off-track locations to watch and bet on horse racing across the garden state. In Atlantic City, only one casino hosts a sportsbook that features horse betting.
Winners Bayonne is hosting its annual Kentucky Derby party featuring Mint Juleps in a signature Kentucky Derby glass and a hat contest with cash prizes.
In addition, five Favorites locations feature a sports bar atmosphere, horse wagering and plenty of TV screens for easy viewing.
| Off-track betting parlor | Location |
|---|---|
| BetMGM Race & Sports Book | Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa |
| Favorites at Egg Harbor | 6055 Black Horse Pike, Egg Harbor, NJ 08235 |
| Favorites at Hillsborough | 150 Route 206, Hillsborough, NJ 08844 |
| Favorites at Gloucester | 1300 Blackwood-Clementon Rd., Clementon, NJ 08021 |
| Favorites at Toms River | 1071 Highway 37 West, Toms River, NJ 08755 |
| Favorites at Woodbridge | 3 LaFayette Rd., Fords, NJ 08863 |
| Winners Bayonne | 400 Route 440 North, Bayonne, NJ 07002 |
FanDuel launches a new horse betting app in NJ
If you already have the FanDuel Sportsbook app, betting on the Kentucky Derby couldn’t be easier.
Simply sign into the new FanDuel Racing app and you’re off. The app brings the race to you as well. After placing a wager, you can watch the race right on your mobile device.
For the Derby, FanDuel is offering a $20 No Sweat Bet, which means you’ll be reimbursed with up to $20 in bet credits if your Derby horse doesn’t win. FanDuel’s Race of the Day promo offers Bonus Cash Back if your horse finishes second or third, on one selected race per day.
Another quality option for horse betting in New Jersey is TVG. When you join TVG , you’ll have access to bet at self-service machines at NJ racetracks or by phone. New users get a great promo offer using promo code 200TVG when signing up. The promo code will get you up to $200 paid back if your first bet loses.
