We’re just days away from the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby, and bettors and horse racing fans alike are starting to get excited. The Run for the Roses is the first leg of the Triple Crown and often is the most anticipated horse race of the year.
As the days to the Derby tick down, it’s time to make sure you know where you can get in on the Derby action – even in Massachusetts. While sports betting is illegal in the Bay State, that does not apply to horse betting.
Residents of Massachusetts will be able to bet on the race this Saturday, even from the comfort of their own homes, all thanks to TVG.
Kentucky Derby start time and date information
If anything is important to know here, it’s what not to miss. For the go-getters in the audience, reference the information below:
- When: 6:57 p.m. EST Saturday, May 7
- Where: Churchill Downs
- Where to Watch: NBC, USA
And don’t worry; we won’t leave you hanging on the details of how to join in on the fun.
What is TVG?
TVG Network is an online horse and greyhound racing (much less greyhound now) betting business and TV network owned by FanDuel Sportsbook. FanDuel, one of the country’s most popular Daily Fantasy Sports and sportsbook operators, merged with TVG in 2018.
In addition to streaming races every day, TVG provides users a place to safely and legally place online wagers on a number of horse races, including the Kentucky Derby. TVG accepts bets from residents in dozens of states around the country.
How to use TVG in Massachusetts
Using TVG to place bets or watch races is incredibly easy.
All you have to do is go to the TVG webpage and either log in or sign up (depending on whether you have an account). In order to sign up, you will have to provide your:
- First and Last Name
- Date of Birth
- Phone Number
- Address
Once you do all this, you will have to verify your identity. Once everything is sorted out, you are free to play!
If you register for TVG today, you will receive a risk-free bet of up to $200! In addition, you’ll get cash back if your horse comes in second or third on select races at Churchill Downs, including the Derby and Oaks.
TVG is also offering fee–free deposits of up to $50 until Thursday.
Other Kentucky Derby events in Massachusetts
Suffolk Downs, Boston’s premier raceway, is holding a Derby watch party for Massachusetts residents. You either can visit any of Suffolk Downs’ online partners (TVG, FanDuel Racing, TwinSpires) or visit the track yourself to get that in-person feel.
Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville also is a fully functioning OTB in Massachusetts. Plainridge’s online affiliate, Hollywood Races, is offering $200 in free wagers if you sign up for an account using the promo code HWR200.
Raynham Park is the third OTB in Massachusetts. It’s a decommissioned dog track that has been converted to a full OTB. Raynham Park is holding its own Kentucky Derby event, starting at 10 a.m. on race day. If you want more information on the event, you can check out the event flyer.
