California Residents Gear Up for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Amid Ongoing Sports Betting Debate
As excitement builds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby, set to race off at Churchill Downs on May 3 at 3:57 p.m. PT, California horse racing fans are eager to partake in the legendary event despite the absence of regulated sports betting in the state. While California residents cannot legally bet on sports, they still have the opportunity to wager on the Derby through local racetracks and off-track betting venues, or by using leading online racebooks like TwinSpires, TVG, and FanDuel.
For those seeking better odds and promotions, top offshore sportsbooks are stepping up with enticing offers, including over $10,000 in free bets. Notable promotions include BetOnline’s $1,000 in free bets and BetUS’s 125% bonus on initial deposits. This has led many California bettors to opt for offshore platforms, where fixed odds provide a more lucrative alternative to local pari-mutuel betting systems.
Prospects for legal sports betting in California remain uncertain. Following setbacks in 2022, sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel are recalibrating their strategies, aiming to collaborate with tribal gaming interests. Speaking at the Indian Gaming Tradeshow, DraftKings CEO Jason Robins emphasized the necessity of building relationships with tribes, acknowledging California’s potential to be a crucial market for growth.
As the Kentucky Derby approaches, one contender grabbing attention is Baeza, who has emerged as a dark horse after an impressive showing in the Santa Anita Derby. With odds currently at +1200, he is viewed as a legitimate threat for victory.
With discussions about legalizing sports betting still unfolding, bettors in California are hopeful that a collaborative solution will emerge, allowing them to engage more fully with the industry surrounding horse racing and beyond.
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