Title: "Top Horse Racing Betting Apps Reviewed: Your Guide to Winning Big on the Kentucky Derby 2025"
On this page, you’ll find reviews of the best horse racing betting apps in the industry. We’ve examined FanDuel Racing, TwinSpires, and 1/ST BET, evaluating everything from promo codes to user experience and customer support, so you can decide which racing books to use to wager on horse races like this week’s 2025 Kentucky Derby.
Best Horse Racing App Promos
Here’s a look at the top promo codes being offered by horse racing betting apps ahead of the Kentucky Derby 2025.
TwinSpires Betting App
TwinSpires is among the most popular horse racing betting apps due in part to its ownership by Churchill Downs, the operator of Churchill Downs Racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby and other major races. TwinSpires offers an extensive betting menu, live and replay video, a rewards program, and comprehensive horse racing analysis from experts.
TwinSpires Welcome Offer: CBSSPORTS for up to $400 in Bonus
TwinSpires is offering new customers $100 for every $400 they wager, up to $400 in total bonuses. Once customers register using the promo code CBSSPORTS, they will be eligible for the offer. In order to get the full amount in bonus cash, users would need to wager $1,600 within 30 days of creating their new account.
TwinSpires App Summary
Among the most trusted horse racing betting apps based on customer reviews, TwinSpires delivers everything a customer would need to make their betting experience enjoyable. The interface is smooth, visually appealing, and easy to navigate. Once registered on the app, users will find a list of available tracks running that day and wager types to bet. Thoroughbred, international, and harness racing tracks are subject to state laws with some not available in certain jurisdictions. Wager types include: Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, and Pick 3/4/5/6.
When a user clicks on a race track, they will find available race options with a horse’s information including the jockey, trainer, win percentage stats from the connections, up-to-the-second odds, the sire/dam information, and more. TwinSpires offers expert picks for most races and the ability to purchase racing forms if customers are looking for more advanced data. A unique feature is the Profit Line (PL) under Advanced (stats), which shows computer model data with fair value odds. All bet types are offered based on the track rules, including minimum and maximum wagers.
TwinSpires offers betting menus for beginners and the most seasoned bettors with glossaries and guides to navigate the bettor on their journey. They offer an excellent rewards program with the ability to earn points on every wager made, including 4x points on all tracks owned by TwinSpires’ parent company. Points can be redeemed for wagering credits and multiplier credits may be offered to larger bettors who wager over a certain amount every month.
The app offers a variety of deposit options including ACH, credit/debit cards, PayPal, ApplePay and more, most without fees. Similarly, TwinSpires offers withdrawals to most of the deposit methods, but fees may incur and it may take up to five days to process the withdrawal. These are common complaints among users from app store reviews who may be used to much speedier cash outs from sportsbooks.
Like most sportsbooks or apps, customer service reviews are mixed with some users finding the staff helpful and others finding response times slower than expected. Support is available via live chat, email, phone, and mailing address.
TwinSpires App Final Verdict
More seasoned players will love the options, statistics, and information available on the TwinSpires app. The expert analysis and rewards program stand out over the competition and give a user a leg up when handicapping races. Being that this app is under common ownership with Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, the analysis for the top horse race of the year is extensive. The signup offer allows customers to earn up to $400 progressively as compared to offering a no sweat bet such as FanDuel Racing. Registering is similar to that of a sportsbook where hassles can be avoided if the proper identification is submitted by the customer. Overall, there are very few, if any drawbacks to the TwinSpires app, and it comes highly recommended for all players alike.
1/ST BET Betting App
While 1/ST BET offers players the ability to wager on a wide variety of tracks, including those owned by The Stronach Group, who also owns 1/ST BET. Android users are out of luck as no app exists in the Google Play Store; only Apple iOS customers can play on this app.
1/ST BET Welcome Offer: 250BET for up to $250 in Bonus Funds
The 1/ST BET promo code gives users a $25 wager credit for every $100 they bet, up to $250 total. This is fairly similar to the promotion at TwinSpires, though users have double the amount of time (60 days) to wager the $1,000 to get the full amount in bonus funds, but can earn $150 less in bonuses.
1/ST BET Racing App Summary
1/ST BET gives Apple iOS customers the opportunity to play the ponies on a visually appealing app which focuses on handicapping in addition to a large wagering menu. Similar to TwinSpires, users can wager on thoroughbred, international, and harness tracks depending on what their state allows. They can also place Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Quinella, Trifecta, Superfecta, Daily Double, and Pick 3/4/5/6 bets among others.
The biggest drawback to 1/ST Bet is the inability for those without an iPhone or iPad to use the app on a mobile device. It is unclear as to if and when an Android app is coming, and partly because of that, 1/ST Bet is not as popular as TwinSpires and FanDuel Racing.
A top feature of 1/ST BET is A.I. betting selections via the USE TOP FACTORS tool on the betting menu. Users can find horses ranked based on the top-10 most successful past factors in comparable races (i.e. winning record of the jockey, how fast horses have raced on the turns, and pedigree ratings). 1/ST BET uses their algorithms to analyze each race based on 250,000 prior races to find notable data points that may lead to success. More advanced users can build their own model based on elements of the race they deem important.
1/ST BET’s rewards program appears to be a bit better than TwinSpires’ as they offer points based on dollar amount, with increased multipliers for Stronach Tracks (Santa Anita Park, Gulfstream Park, Laurel Park, and more). Tier levels in Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum, Diamond, and Diamond Plus. What is most appealing is what these points can be redeemed for including: wagering credits (similar to TwinSpires), past performances handicapping worksheets, betting tournament entries, track discounts, tech items, and VIP experiences.
Payment methods include credit / debit cards, PayPal, and bank transfers, comparable to TwinSpires. Customer reviews are mostly positive though issues with app stability are noted. Customer service reviews are mixed with users being able to contact 1/ST BET via phone and live chat on the app.
1/ST BET App Final Verdict
The A.I betting feature and smooth interface are notable reasons for users to download and bet the horses with the 1/ST BET app. But the lack of an Android app and less features compared to TwinSpires leave this app behind its competition. More serious players may enjoy the rewards program and the different products / experiences where it can be redeemed. Overall, 1/ST BET is a fine option for iOS users but doesn’t offer all the ‘bells and whistles’ compared to its competitors.
FanDuel Racing Betting App
FanDuel Racing offers a seamless betting experience for FanDuel DFS, Sportsbook & Casino customers who can use shared balances across the apps. Users can also deposit and withdraw money into any FanDuel account and have the ability to use it on the horse racing app. Another bonus is expert insights from notable FanDuel TV personalities, who might be more familiar to some horse racing enthusiasts.
FanDuel Racing Welcome Offer: $500 No Sweat First Bet
FanDuel Racing is offering new customers up to $500 in the form of bet insurance. In order to get the FanDuel Racing promo code, users must sign up for an account at FanDuel Racing and make a qualifying wager on any race at any track offered by the book. If the first wager loses, the user is credited up to $500 in bet credits in their FanDuel Racing account. Bonus funds from the racing book will not carry over to the sportsbook and vice versa. It’s important to note that the bonus is not available for anyone who has placed a bet or used another FanDuel product.
FanDuel Racing App Summary
The FanDuel betting interface is widely praised as being among the most user-friendly, and FanDuel Racing is no different. Customers are able to clearly see the list of tracks, races, and bet types (similar to TwinSpires and 1/ST BET), along with information about the horse and its connections upon clicking on it. Live video and replays from prior races are also available on the app with the touch of a button.
Though race analysis isn’t as comprehensive as on TwinSpires, picks from FanDuel TV personalities are available for most races and the ability to watch the channel is free in the app. Similar to the competition, a user can purchase past performances from a section of the main menu.
The FanDuel Racing app is fairly basic and caters more to an introductory horse bettor vs. an experienced one. It makes sense that those customers who are interested in shared balances between Sportsbook, Casino, and Racing would use this app. FanDuel Racing is available for iOS and Android, similar to TwinSpires and unlike 1/ST BET.
Deposits and withdrawals are easier due to the integration with the sportsbook and payouts seem to be quicker on FanDuel vs. TwinSpires or 1/ST BET per customer reviews. Like the competition, customer service reviews are mixed. FanDuel Racing offers a comprehensive FAQ section plus live chat, email, X, and Facebook options to contact customer support.
A disadvantage of FanDuel Racing is the poor rewards program, which only offers the occasional no sweat win bet for a small dollar amount. For those who like to bet frequently but don’t care about the shared wallet, this app probably wouldn’t be the top choice with a lack of a comprehensive rewards program like the competition. Customers also complain that the app can be glitchy, with location errors more frequent compared to the other horse racing apps.
FanDuel Racing App Final Verdict
This app comes with a very simple interface which is easy to navigate for even the most technologically-challenged customer. Being able to watch FanDuel TV and its nonstop live racing / analysis is a plus as are the experts picks on the app. The lack of a rewards program is the main drawback, but for those who are FanDuel customers for DFS, or Sportsbook & Casino, the shared wallet feature can be a major bonus, especially when depositing or withdrawing funds. While a step below TwinSpires overall, FanDuel Racing offers a positive experience for its users, the new and experienced players alike.
Horse Racing Betting App Ratings (as of 4/28/25)
Horse Racing Betting App
App Store Rating (iOS)
Google Play Rating (Android)
TwinSpires
4.85/5 stars (>76K ratings)
4.65/5 stars (>1.2K ratings)
1/ST BET
4.65/5 stars (>1.2K ratings)
N/A
FanDuel Racing
4.85/5 stars (>6.6K ratings)
4.5/5 stars (>1K ratings)
Legal States
TwinSpires
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Must be at least 18 years old or 21 years old to wager depending on individual state laws.
1/ST BET
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. Must be at least 18 years old or 21 years old to wager depending on individual state laws.
FanDuel Racing
Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Must be at least 18 years old or 21 years old to wager depending on individual state laws.
Types of Horse Racing Wagers on the Apps
Horse racing odds in the United States are based on the pari-mutuel system, where bets are pooled together, and the winnings are distributed among the successful bettors after the track takes its fee. Unlike sports betting which is fixed odds, major odds shifts can occur in real-time up to the start of a race. The more money that is bet on a horse, the more its odds will go down.
Single Horse Wagers: Win, Place, Show
Here are some common single horse racing bets:
Win: Betting on a horse to finish in first place.
Place: Betting on a horse to finish in first or second place.
Show: Betting on a horse to finish in first, second, or third place.
Win/Place/Show: Users can bet on a horse to finish in multiple places and will be paid out accordingly based on finish. If you bet a horse to place and show, but the horse wins for example, you will be paid out on 2 of 3 lines, but not the win bet.
Multi-Horse Wagers
Each of these wagers are for single races only.
Exacta: This requires bettors to successfully choose the first and second place horses in the race in order. A box wager allows the horse to finish in either position but costs double a straight wager. Multiple horses are available to bet in boxes though the price for the total bet increases significantly.
Quinella: Similar to an exacta, but the order of finish, first or second, does not matter. Boxing the wager does not matter but payouts are usually less than exactas.
Trifecta: Similar to an exacta wager but the first three horses must successfully come in order. A box wager costs 6x for three horses, 24x for four horses, and 60x for five horses.
Superfecta: A wager where the first four horses must come in order to successfully hit. Boxing the wager can be expensive so at many tracks, the minimum wager is $0.10 as compared to $0.50 (trifectas) or $1 (exactas).
Multi-Race Wagers
For the following bets, the winner must hit in consecutive races.
Daily Double: Choosing the winners in two consecutive races, similar to a two-team parlay in sports betting.
Pick 3: Selecting the winners of three consecutive races, similar to a three-team sports betting parlay.
Pick 4: Offered only at certain times by race tracks, the bettor must choose the winners of four straight races. This bet often pays far more when successful than Daily Double or Pick 3 wagers.
Pick 5: Similar to the Pick 4 bet, with one extra leg added on. Some tracks offer this for both the first five races and last five races of the day, even if some legs overlap.
Pick 6: Offered once per day by race tracks, this is a very difficult bet that requires the customer to predict the winner in six straight races. Occasionally, tracks will offer consolation payouts for five of six wins.
Responsible Gaming
Many of the sportsbook apps have "Responsible Gambling" tools in which users can place limits on the amount of bets they can place and deposit amounts as well as a maximum amount on a single wager.
Bettors must be either 18 or 21 years or older to register and place wagers depending on jurisdiction. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, please seek assistance from trained professionals such as the Problem Gambling Help Network at 1-800-GAMBLER.
Best Horse Racing Betting Sites FAQs
Do I get anything for signing up?
Each app has a unique signup bonus where new customers in legal betting states can earn cash back or a risk-free bet upon registering for a new account.
Is online horse betting legal?
In most states yes, customers must be either 18 years old or 21 years old or older to play. Check each app’s terms and conditions for eligible states and age groups.
What are the biggest horse races to bet on?
The Kentucky Derby (May 3 at Churchill Downs), Preakness Stakes (May 17 at Pimlico Race Course), Belmont Stakes (June 7 at Saratoga Race Course), Travers Stakes (August 23 at Saratoga), and Breeders Cup (October 31-November 1 at Del Mar Racetrack) are the highlights of the horse racing calendar for the remainder of 2025.
Can I watch the races on the apps?
Yes, customers can watch live video and race replays on the horse racing betting apps.
Where do I find more information on which horses to bet?
Racing forms can be purchased for download on selected betting apps or via websites.