Horse racing betting guide spotlights racebook apps and promo offers
CBS Sports says horse racing bettors may need separate racebook apps, with DK Horse, TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing and 1/ST BET among the options.
By Georgia Hale · Staff Writer
3 min read
Horse racing bettors hunting for Kentucky Derby action may not find it inside their regular sportsbook app, according to a CBS Sports betting guide by Robby Kalland.
The guide says U.S. state rules keep sportsbooks and racebooks separate in many cases, which is why horse wagering often runs through dedicated racing apps. CBS Sports also discloses that its betting pages may include affiliate links that can generate a commission if readers sign up, deposit or wager.
The racebook names in the mix
CBS Sports identifies DK Horse, TwinSpires, FanDuel Racing and 1/ST BET as major online horse racing options, with each promoting offers for new or current users.
DK Horse is listed with a $150,000 “King of the Track” promotion. According to CBS Sports, users must opt in through the app’s Offers tab and place a straight single-horse wager of at least $5 on the Belmont Stakes winner. If the selected horse wins, eligible users split the $150,000 pool and must return to the app to claim the reward.
TwinSpires is described as offering up to $400 in bonus credits. CBS Sports says the structure gives users $100 in bonus credit for every $400 wagered, up to the $400 maximum, after wagers settle and results become official.
FanDuel Racing’s offer is listed as bet $5 and get $25 in racing bonus. CBS Sports notes that FanDuel Racing is separate from FanDuel’s sports betting product, so sports bettors with an existing FanDuel account would need a separate racing account.
1/ST BET is listed with up to $500 in wagering credits for new users using the promo code “500BET.” CBS Sports says the offer gives $20 in credit for each $100 wagered during the first 60 days, with the full $500 requiring $2,500 in wagers.
Prediction markets enter the paddock
The guide also points to Kalshi and Polymarket as prediction markets where users can trade on horse racing outcomes. CBS Sports says both are federally regulated markets and available in most states.
Kalshi is listed with an offer tied to a first trade of at least $25, giving eligible users a bonus trading credit ranging from $15 to $500. CBS Sports says 70% of participants receive $15, 24% receive $35, 5% receive $75, 0.65% receive $100 and 0.35% receive $500.
Polymarket’s listed offer is a $50 trading credit for new users who deposit at least $20, according to CBS Sports.
How horse racing odds work
CBS Sports says horse racing uses pari-mutuel wagering, meaning bets are pooled until the race begins. The track and books take a portion known as the takeout, and the remaining pool is divided among winning ticket holders.
That creates a key difference from standard sports betting: horse racing odds can move after a bet is placed, with payouts based on final odds when the race starts.
The guide explains the basic bets as win, place and show. A win ticket needs the horse to finish first. A place ticket pays if the horse finishes first or second. A show ticket pays if the horse lands in the top three.
CBS Sports also outlines exotic bets, including exactas for the first two finishers in order, trifectas for the top three, superfectas for the top four and Super High 5 bets for the top five. Multi-race wagers include the Daily Double and Pick-3 through Pick-6 formats.
Big races ahead
CBS Sports lists the next Triple Crown races as the Kentucky Derby on May 1, 2027, the Preakness Stakes on May 15, 2027, and the Belmont Stakes on June 5, 2027.
The guide also lists the Breeders’ Cup on Oct. 30-31, 2026, the Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 23, 2027, and the Dubai World Cup on March 27, 2027, among the calendar’s major racing events.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.