It’s the month of May, and the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby is set to take place Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville.
Ohioans not making the trip to Kentucky to witness in-person the “fastest two minutes in sports” have an opportunity to engage in some of the Kentucky Derby traditions at a few racinos across the Buckeye State.
Sports betting became legal when Gov. Mike DeWine signed HB 29 on Dec. 22, but the online sports betting platforms and apps aren’t expected to become active until the end of 2022. The Ohio Casino Control Commission announced on Wednesday that it will open the application window for potential sports betting licenses on June 15. The law states that sports wagering must be launched by Jan. 1, 2023.
Nonetheless, placing bets on horse races is an option at racinos in Ohio. In the spirit of the Derby, some are offering promotional events to coincide with the race, for which post time is set for 6:57 p.m.
Former Bob Baffert apprentice has two Kentucky Derby contenders https://t.co/p9vy2y3YnY pic.twitter.com/yVsP88EWpQ
— New York Post (@nypost) May 5, 2022
Venues of note
Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs bills itself as Columbus’ “only venue” where patrons can “watch and wager” on the Derby. Reservations for groups — up to four people — are available.
Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway is offering drive-thru wagering (outside of the north entrance) on the Derby on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The racino is also holding an online hat contest in which individuals can upload a photo wearing a “Derby Day hat” for a chance to become one of 10 winners receiving a $25 gift card. Interested parties need to use the hashtag #DaytonDerbyHatContest and tag Hollywood Dayton Raceway on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
Belterra Park Cincinnati is also offering drive-thru wagering on the Derby Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Miami Valley Gaming is hosting a watch-and-wager event in which it will offer food and drink specials.
