The amount of money bet on the Kentucky Derby can vary significantly from year to year. It is one of the most watched and bet-upon horse races in the world, with betting handle often reaching into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
As of my last update, the on-track and off-track betting handle for the Kentucky Derby has frequently exceeded $150 million. For instance, in 2021, the total betting handle for the Derby was approximately $223.5 million, which was a record at the time.
Please note that these figures are subject to change, and for the most recent figures, you would need to check the latest reports from Churchill Downs or the Kentucky Derby’s official sources. It’s also important to consider that these totals include all types of bets, from simple win-place-show bets to more complex exotic wagers.