Jimmy Boyd in 
The Kentucky Derby is a special event that happens each year at Churchill Downs. Even those who aren’t horse racing fanatics feel inclined to not only watch but also wager on this big event.
I found myself wondering just how much money was actually being wagered. What I found was staggering, especially considering we’re talking about something that lasts just around two minutes.
How Much Was Wagered on the Kentucky Derby & Attendance This Year
In 2025, the Kentucky Derby set new records for betting. A record-breaking $234.4 million was wagered on the Kentucky Derby race itself, surpassing the previous high of $210.7 million set in 2024. The total handle for the entire Derby Day card reached $349 million, up significantly from the $320.5 million the year prior.
Attendance was down in 2025 thanks to poor weather conditions, but the reported attendance of 147,406 was still the 3rd biggest derby since 2020’s unattended (covid) running.
It’s important to note that these figures only include wagers made through North American racetracks and simulcast outlets. They do not account for international or online sportsbook wagering, which continues to grow year over year. For example, bettors from Japan alone contributed over $10 million in handle during last year’s Derby.
If you’re considering wagering on this historic event, be sure to check out our comprehensive Kentucky Derby Betting Guide.
Betting Breakdown
- On-Track Program: Bets placed on all races at Churchill Downs on Derby Day.
- On-Track Race: Bets placed on the Kentucky Derby race at Churchill Downs.
- All Sources Program: All bets placed across North American racebooks (simulcast) on all Churchill Downs races on Derby Day.
- All Sources Race: All bets placed across North American racebooks (simulcast) specifically on the Kentucky Derby race.
Note: Since covid it has been harder to track down on-track numbers as derby officials tend to focus on their all source figures, which are always more impressive.
Churchill Downs Betting History – How Much Money Gets Bet on the Race (Millions)
| Year | Attendance | On-Track Program | On-Track Race | All Sources Program | All Sources Race |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 147,406 | N/A | N/A | $349.0 | $234.4 |
| 2024 | 156,710 | N/A | N/A | $320.5 | $210.7 |
| 2023 | 150,335 | N/A | N/A | $288.7 | $188.7 |
| 2022 | 147,294 | N/A | N/A | $273.8 | $179.0 |
| 2021 | 51,838 | N/A | N/A | $233.0 | $155.4 |
| 2020 | 0 | N/A | N/A | $126.0 | $79.4 |
| 2019 | 150,729 | $48.4 | $30.2 | $250.9 | $165.5 |
| 2018 | 157,813 | $39.2 | $24.6 | $227.5 | $149.9 |
| 2017 | 158,070 | $32.8 | $20.1 | $209.2 | $139.2 |
| 2016 | 167,227 | $23.5 | $11.3 | $192.6 | $124.7 |
| 2015 | 170,513 | $23.0 | $12.0 | $194.3 | $137.9 |
| 2014 | 164,906 | $23.4 | $11.9 | $186.6 | $129.2 |
| 2013 | 151,616 | $21.1 | $11.5 | $184.6 | $130.5 |
| 2012 | 165,307 | $23.7 | $12.3 | $187.0 | $133.1 |
| 2011 | 164,858 | $23.4 | $11.5 | $165.2 | $112.0 |
| 2010 | 155,804 | $21.5 | $11.1 | $162.7 | $112.7 |
| 2009 | 153,563 | $21.1 | $10.2 | $156.0 | $104.6 |
| 2008 | 157,770 | $24.2 | $12.1 | $164.7 | $114.6 |
| 2007 | 156,635 | $24.1 | $12.1 | $168.1 | $118.3 |
| 2006 | 157,536 | $24.5 | $12.1 | $175.1 | $106.2 |
| 2005 | 156,435 | $22.8 | $10.1 | $155.8 | $103.3 |
| 2004 | 140,054 | $19.2 | $9.5 | $142.8 | $99.3 |
| 2003 | 148,530 | $20.6 | $9.1 | $140.4 | $88.0 |
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