Betting on the Kentucky Derby should be a small, planned part of a day at the races or a party at home. If it stops feeling like that, free and confidential help is available around the clock. In the US, call or text the National Council on Problem Gambling’s helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET, or use the chat service on ncpgambling.org.
Age limits
You must be of legal age in the state where you bet. For pari-mutuel wagering that is often 18, but some states and platforms require 21. TwinSpires, for example, accepts customers from 18 in most states and from 21 in Arizona, Washington, Indiana and Iowa. Where state law sets 21, the 21+ rule applies whatever any site says. This website is not intended for anyone under the legal age where they live.
Signs that betting is becoming a problem
- Betting more than you planned, or more than you can afford to lose.
- Chasing losses with bigger bets, for example moving from the Oaks to the Derby to win money back.
- Borrowing, using credit or selling things to bet.
- Hiding betting from family or friends, or feeling anxious and irritable when you cannot bet.
- Betting taking time away from work, study or the people around you.
One of these on its own does not mean you have a gambling disorder, but if several sound familiar, talk to someone.
Tools licensed operators offer
US-licensed advance deposit wagering platforms and tracks provide tools to keep betting under control. Set them before Derby week, when the excitement is lowest:
- Deposit limits per day, week or month.
- Time-outs that lock your account for a short period.
- Self-exclusion for longer periods, which closes the account and stops marketing.
- Account history, so you can see exactly what you have staked and lost.
Many banks also let you block gambling transactions on your cards. Offshore sites that take crypto rarely offer reliable tools and are not supervised by any US regulator; our page on crypto and horse racing explains why we do not recommend them.
Where to get help
- National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-MY-RESET, call, text or chat, 24/7 (ncpgambling.org).
- Your state’s council or helpline: most states run their own programs, listed through the NCPG.
- Gamblers Anonymous: peer support meetings in person and online (gamblersanonymous.org).
- Gambling Therapy: free online support and chat (gamblingtherapy.org).
Keeping the Derby fun
Decide your budget before the post-position draw, keep it separate from everyday money and stop when it is gone. Small, simple bets are as enjoyable as large ones; our bet types guide shows how to price a ticket before you buy it. Bet only through licensed channels, explained on our legal betting page, and never treat betting as a way to make money.
This site provides information only. It does not accept bets. For the race itself, return to the home page.