As the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby approaches, FanDuel has once again positioned itself at the heart of the action with an array of exclusive promotions, live broadcasts, and seamless betting experiences. The celebrated betting operator, and official partner of Churchill Downs, is set to elevate the excitement surrounding the “Run for the Roses” by integrating innovative features for both new and loyal customers. With upgraded facilities at Churchill Downs and a media blitz led by top racing analysts, FanDuel’s 2025 campaign cements its position as a driving force in American horse racing entertainment.

Derby Week 2025: Bigger Stakes, Better Experiences

This year’s Kentucky Derby will be held amid significant upgrades at Churchill Downs, where the Grandstand Renovation Project—an Rs. 667 crore (approx. $80–90 million) development—promises fans an enhanced venue experience.

The revitalized Grandstand Pavilion will provide expanded seating, improved accessibility, and premium hospitality offerings, making Derby Day more immersive than ever before.

FanDuel’s continued involvement not only supports the infrastructure investment but also amplifies digital engagement and wagering access through its apps and media outlets.

As one of America’s most iconic sporting events, the Derby continues to evolve—and FanDuel is helping shape its digital future.

Exclusive FanDuel Promotions: $500 No Sweat First Bet for New Users

To draw in first-time bettors and reward its expanding customer base, FanDuel has launched a suite of Derby-themed promotions:

New users will receive a $500 No Sweat First Bet, meaning if their initial wager loses, they get up to Rs. 41,500 back as a racing bonus.

Existing users will enjoy a No Sweat Win Bet promotion tailored specifically for the Kentucky Derby, ensuring loyal bettors remain part of the celebration.

These incentives are available across both the FanDuel Racing app and the FanDuel Sportsbook, giving users flexible entry points into the world of thoroughbred betting.

Wall-to-Wall Coverage via FanDuel TV and YouTube

As excitement builds toward the Derby, FanDuel TV will provide continuous live coverage throughout Derby Week, including pre-race insights, real-time odds analysis, and post-race commentary.

Viewers can expect insights from some of the most recognized names in the business: Todd Schrupp, Christina Blacker, Michael Joyce, Scott Hazelton, and Gabby Gaudet will anchor expert panels.

Adding star power to the lineup, Emmy-winning host Kay Adams will bring her hit show Up & Adams live to YouTube from Churchill Downs on May 2, 2025, airing from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM ET.

This hybrid media strategy reinforces FanDuel’s commitment to delivering on-demand, fan-centric content, especially to a younger, digital-native audience.

FanDuel: Blending Sports Betting with Traditional Racing

In a saturated online betting landscape, FanDuel continues to distinguish itself by offering a unified platform that supports both sports betting and horse racing—a unique value proposition that few competitors can match.

Andrew Moore, FanDuel’s General Manager of Racing, emphasized the platform’s pioneering integration model:

“We're proud to be the first sportsbook that gives fans the ability to bet on sports and horse racing from a single platform. We're excited to use that access to bring new energy and excitement to racing's biggest day.”

This all-in-one approach provides a seamless user experience and encourages cross-category engagement, from basketball parlays to Derby trifectas—all within the same app.

Strengthening Churchill Downs Partnership and Derby Legacy

FanDuel’s role as an official partner of Churchill Downs extends beyond promotional activity—it signals a long-term alignment with the sport's most prestigious events.

With every passing year, FanDuel deepens its integration with the Derby’s traditions, blending heritage with innovation.

Its involvement supports not just wagering growth, but elevates the cultural resonance of horse racing among newer demographics unfamiliar with the sport’s rich legacy.

By backing major renovations and enhancing user interaction through digital channels, FanDuel helps future-proof the Kentucky Derby without diluting its historic charm.

What This Means for the U.S. Betting Industry

The 2025 Kentucky Derby campaign marks more than just a marketing win—it’s a strategic demonstration of how betting platforms can evolve into full-fledged entertainment ecosystems.

With the continued expansion of legalized sports betting in the U.S., the fusion of horse racing with broader sports wagering platforms could reignite public interest in the sport.

FanDuel’s model—bolstering traditional events with smart tech, personalized promotions, and digital content—could serve as a blueprint for how sportsbooks can leverage seasonal peaks to grow user engagement.

It also showcases how platforms can reinvent legacy sports for the next generation, offering a case study in effective sports-business convergence.

FanDuel Sets the Pace for Derby Week 2025

As anticipation builds for the 151st Kentucky Derby, FanDuel isn’t just riding the wave—it’s helping shape the future of racing fandom and online wagering. With a blend of cutting-edge promotions, elite broadcast coverage, and a fan-first betting experience, the company is reimagining what it means to be a modern-day partner of one of the oldest traditions in American sports.

By bridging digital engagement with Derby-day spectacle, FanDuel ensures that the Kentucky Derby remains not only relevant but revolutionary—delivering excitement from the grandstand to the smartphone.

For seasoned bettors and curious newcomers alike, this year’s Derby promises a ride well worth taking.