As the nation inches closer to the First Saturday in May, bettors across 12 states will have a new way to wager on horse racing.
Boston-based DraftKings announced Wednesday that its new DK Horse racing mobile app has launched in 12 states. It is expected to add more states to its inventory in time for the 149th renewal of the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 6.
The announcement comes during the same week that a Kentucky sports betting bill that already has passed the state House continues to be debated in the Senate.
Bettors will be able to create their accounts and register on DK Horse today in the following states: Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Learn More: Best Kentucky Sportsbook Apps
The DraftKings Kentucky Sportsbook app will give customers the ability to stream video of races within their DK Horse account. It initially will require customers to register and deposit funds into new accounts separate from their "one account, one wallet" tethered to DraftKings Sportsbook, Casino and daily fantasy sports apps.
Last November, DraftKings and Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) announced a multi-year agreement that allows CDI's subsidiary, TwinSpires, to power the advance deposit pari-mutuel wagering technology for DK Horse.
“Together with Churchill Downs Incorporated, an industry leader with a deep-rooted history in horse racing, we will deliver an innovative, mobile customer experience,” said Jason Robins, CEO and Chairman of the Board of DraftKings, in a news release.
“Our goal is to provide our customers with best-in-class sports and gaming products, and we expect DK Horse to provide a fun and new way to engage with renowned races like the upcoming Run for the Roses.”
Learn More: Best Kentucky Sportsbook Promos
Early Line on Kentucky Derby
According to the latest Kentucky Derby odds, Forte is the favorite for the Derby at 3-1 and is trained by Todd Pletcher. Other contenders include Practical Move, Tapit Trice, Kingsbarns, Reincarnate, Derma Sotogake, Two Phil’s and Geaux Rocket Ride. A field of 20 is expected to be drawn on May 1.
The Kentucky Derby is the first jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown with the Preakness at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore set for May 20 and the Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., on June 10. We'll track Preakness Stakes odds and Belmont Stakes odds as well.
