As gambling in sports continues to grow rapidly, it is also betting on ponies,
No horse race on the calendar will be bet on more than Saturday’s Kentucky Derby — as Craig Mucklow, Caesars’ vice president of trading, says, “It’s Super Bowl Of horse racing.”
Just before 7 p.m. ET, spectators from across the country will watch 20 horses head toward the starting gate at Churchill Downs, and there will be some kind of bet on almost every one of them.
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A general view of Churchill Downs before the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky on May 06, 2023. (Michael Reeves/Getty Images)
It may be the only horse racing that large numbers of people watch throughout the year, but in recent years, there has been a felt need to attend.
“It used to be all man’s game,” Mucklow said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. “Now, as sports gambling has become more involved…the younger generation is getting more involved, it’s a It has also become a social thing.” Noting that Tom Brady and other celebrities are often seen in their light-colored suits and hats. “Interest has increased.”
Mucklow admits that bets on horse racing only increase “around the marquee meetings” with Saturday meetings race of roses Leading the way “by a mile”. Believe it or not, the Preakness and Belmont are actually behind the Breeders’ Cup races in terms of handling, but nothing tops the races in Louisville.
A general view of roses in the winner’s circle with the Twin Spires in the background before the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 7, 2022. (Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
“It’s rich in history, the Kentucky Derby. Ever since I came here (from England), all the Americans say, ‘It’s Derby Day.’ Everyone gets excited about it – it’s like a national holiday.”[fromEngland)alltheAmericansarelike’It’sDerbyDay’Everyonegetsexcitedforit-it’slikeanationalholiday”[fromEngland)alltheAmericansarelike‘It’sDerbyDay’Everyonegetsexcitedforit-it’slikeanationalholiday”
Mucklow also joked that because everyone wants to bet at the same time (usually, in the final hours, or even minutes, before the race), they line up waiting to place a bet. Can get stuck (keep in mind, Caesars, FanDuel, DraftKings, etc. do not take general racing bets – they still need to be placed through separate horse-betting sites like TVG).
Says one expert, “Every Tom, Dick and Harry says, ‘I’m going to bet on the Derby,’ because it’s the Derby. Everyone waits until the last minute, and then you line up on the mobile app. Let’s go.” Muklo. “My advice is, check the weather first, as it can affect your horse; and also, place your bet first. You don’t want to be disappointed, especially if you put pen to paper when choosing a horse. , and then you don’t want to look at the ticket you didn’t win.”
A general view before the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky on May 06, 2023. (Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
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Mucklow says the 4-1 favorite has the most money in Sierra Leone and people have bet on him to win.
Post time is 6:57 PM ET.
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