Preakness Stakes Racebooks & Betting Insights for the 2025 Race
The fastest two minutes in sports might belong to the Kentucky Derby, but don’t sleep on what comes next — the Preakness Stakes. It’s the second leg of the Triple Crown, and by the time horses hit the track at Pimlico, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Legacies are on the line, and for bettors, so is a shot at serious money.
That’s why we put together this in-depth guide. Not just to show you the best spots for Preakness Stakes betting, but how to do it smarter. From sportsbooks offering massive bonuses to betting menus packed with props, exotics, and live odds — we’re breaking down the best Preakness Stakes betting sites that give you the edge. If you’re betting on this year’s race, this is where you want to start.
Preakness Betting Sites
You can bet the Preakness Stakes from the racetrack, an off-track betting shop (OTB), or a Las Vegas casino. However, millions of people have begun to enjoy the convenience and safety of betting on the Preakness Stakes online from their own homes. Online betting, Preakness Stakes day and beyond, makes it easier and more fun to make a profit on horse races and sports!
This is the first part of our Preakness Stakes betting guide. We present to you the best sites for betting the Preakness online:
BetUS
If you’re looking to go big on PGA Championship weekend, BetUS should be your starting point. This bookmaker has a knack for rewarding users with gobs of free play, unlike anyone else. Take a stab at how big the sign-up bonus is. Really, guess…. If you thought a “normal” $1000, then you’d be dead wrong. BetUS’ welcome bonus maxes out at $6000. Seriously, it goes that high!
And when you’ve got that kind of bankroll (or even a fraction of that), everything changes. You’re no longer tied to taking a longshot to profit big. No, with that kind of bankroll, you can explore trifectas, superfectas, matchup props, or even spread out wagers across several long shots just for the thrill. It takes the stress off your real balance and gives you freedom to play the ponies with confidence — and perhaps a little recklessly.
The platform itself is just as loaded. When race day hits, BetUS lights up with Preakness lines. You’ll find all the essentials: win-place-show, across-the-board action, prop bets on the winning time or post position, and deep exotic options. It’s a full menu built for bettors who know how to get creative with their slips — and BetUS absolutely delivers on that front.
If you want to treat Preakness weekend like the event it is — big, loud, and full of action — BetUS is the perfect partner. With huge bonuses and a betting board that invites bold plays, this is the site for anyone who wants to go all-in on betting on the Preakness Stakes.
Bovada
Bovada has been a cornerstone of online betting for years, and when it comes to horse racing — especially a marquee race like the Preakness Stakes — it more than holds its own. What sets Bovada apart isn’t just one thing, it’s the balance. This book consistently delivers on all fronts: variety, value, and a super-smooth betting experience.
Start with the options. Bovada covers the full range of Preakness Stakes best bets — win, place, show, exactas, trifectas — but also brings out race props, some of which you won’t find everywhere else. It’s a killer setup for bettors who like flexibility, whether you’re locking in a favorite early or sprinkling longshots across the board.
Pricing is another reason we keep coming back. Bovada regularly posts some of the sharpest online betting Preakness Stakes odds, which can quietly boost your bottom line. A slightly better Preakness Stakes payout here or a tighter line there — those tiny wins add up fast, especially when you’re building multiple tickets or chasing exotics.
What ties it all together is how effortlessly the platform runs. On race day, speed matters — and Bovada delivers a clean, no-nonsense experience whether you’re on a phone, tablet, or desktop. The interface doesn’t get in your way, and that means more time focusing on your picks, not fumbling with a clunky app. If you’re laying on best bets for Preakness Stakes, Bovada’s a smart, reliable choice from gate to wire.
MyBookie
Most sportsbooks show up with a shiny sign-up bonus, throw you a few bucks, and disappear when the promo clock runs out. Not MyBookie. This book’s got long-term love for its bettors — especially the committed ones — thanks to its VIP program. It’s a full-blown loyalty system that feels more like a Las Vegas comp program.
The whole thing runs like clockwork: every bet earns you points, whether it’s a Saturday parlay, a blackjack hand, or a bet online Preakness prop. It doesn’t matter because all wagers will count towards rewards. What can you get, you ask? Well, how about cold, hard betting cash? Yes, that’s awaiting the most committed of players with this program.
But make no mistake — this is strictly for committed players. You see, MyBookie guards the VIP gates with all their might. This is because not just anyone is allowed to access it. No, this thing is by invitation only. As you can imagine, you’ll have to earn your way in with repeat betting and by throwing size around. This exclusivity allows for better perks such as VIP support, special bonuses, and lower fees on payouts.
So if you’re the kind of bettor who rides through Derby Day, rolls into the Preakness, and sticks around for Belmont — not to mention every other races and sports events in general — then MyBookie might just be your new go-to. This isn’t just a bonus, it’s a betting lifestyle that pays you back for playing the game right.
BetNow
BetNow is one of those rare sportsbooks that thrives by doing things differently — and we mean that in the best way possible. While the big-name books fight for headline-grabbing attention, BetNow quietly caters to bettors who want real control over their experience. It’s low-profile, sure, but packed with features that hardcore bettors love.
Take the promos, for example. BetNow doesn’t box you into a one-size-fits-all bonus. Instead, it hands you the reins with four different sign-up options, each designed for a different betting style or bankroll. Add in three ongoing rebate programs — including three-percent one for the sportsbook, which is practically unheard of — and you’ve got a book that truly lets you tailor the rewards to how you play.
When it comes to the race itself, BetNow keeps things focused and efficient. You’ll find a tight but complete set of Preakness betting options — win-place-show bets, exotic wagers like exactas and trifectas, head-to-head props, and even some futures. It’s all packaged cleanly without turning the betting board into a complete mess. For horseplayers who just want to bet smart and fast, that simplicity goes a long way.
At the end of the day, BetNow gives bettors something rare — true control. You choose your promos, you build your race-day card, and you do it all without gimmicks getting in the way. It might not be the loudest book out there, but when it comes to getting your Preakness picks in with confidence and clarity, BetNow delivers in a big way.
BetOnline
BetOnline is a powerhouse when it comes to thoroughbred racing. That’s because this site doesn’t just cover big races — it leans into them. All the way in! The Preakness Stakes isn’t an afterthought here. It’s treated like the marquee event it is, and that shows in everything from the odds to the layout of the betting board.
You’re getting a full racetrack’s worth of options. Of course, win-place-show is the standard — but BetOnline goes far beyond that. We’re talking exactas, trifectas, superfectas, matchup bets between horses, and even creative props built specifically for Preakness day. The odds are competitive, but more importantly, they’re up early and updated fast. That’s a big advantage for bettors who like to build tickets before the rest of the crowd shows up.
BetOnline is also one of the smoothest platforms to use when the pressure’s on. You can move quickly between markets, fire off a last-minute wager, or adjust your picks live if you’re dabbling with in-play or looking ahead to Belmont futures. There’s no lag, no clunky interface — just a streamlined betting experience from top to bottom.
Bottom line: if you’re betting the Preakness and want full control over how you do it, BetOnline delivers and then some. Whether you’re hunting value in the early races or going all in on the main event, this book gives you all the tools at your full disposal.
Sportsbetting.ag
We like the betting offering at Sportsbetting.ag, we really do. More than anyone else, this sportsbook is built for bettors who move fast, think sharp, and want every edge they can get heading into the second leg of the Triple Crown.
One of the biggest advantages of using Sportsbetting.ag for the Preakness is how fast they get their lines posted. Whether it’s win-place-show or deeper exotics like trifectas and superfectas, this book usually has odds available before the dust has even settled from the Kentucky Derby. That kind of head start matters because early markets are where value lives — and Sportsbetting.ag puts you first in line to grab it.
Another huge plus here is the pricing. Sportsbetting.ag has earned a rep for sharp odds, and that carries over to horse racing. During big events like the Preakness, when lines are moving and volume is heavy, every point of value counts — and this site routinely gives you the best industrywide.
Put it all together and you’ve got a platform that doesn’t mess around. Fast lines, fair prices, and an interface that’s smooth enough to handle race day stress. Sportsbetting.ag isn’t trying to wow you with fluff — it’s here to help you get the most out of every wager. And if you’re serious about betting the Preakness, that’s exactly what you want.
Bookmaker
What’s the phrase, “don’t judge a book by its cover”? Well, that’s going to apply here. You see, at first glance, Bookmaker probably isn’t going to wow you. Not with its old-school web design or minimalist interface that’s a call back to the early 2010s. But here’s the thing: Bookmaker makes up for it elsewhere. This betting site has been around for decades, and that’s because they deliver a top-notch plating experience.
That’s obvious when betting on the Preakness Stakes. You’ll get everything you need and nothing you don’t — win-place-show, exactas, trifectas, superfectas, and matchup-style props if you’re looking for a little extra thrill. There’s not a bunch of fluff here, just sharp lines and a clean path to placing your bets. For seasoned thoroughbred bettors, that’s more valuable than a dozen bells and whistles.
But what really separates Bookmaker is how it treats high rollers. If you’re planning to wager big on the Preakness — or maybe run a few bold exotics — Bookmaker has your back. The site accepts serious action with fewer restrictions than most sportsbooks. That makes it a trusted go-to for sharps, who don’t want their wagers capped or their accounts flagged after a win (this is all too common at other bookies, unfortunately).
Bottom line is this: Bookmaker is the kind of sportsbook that doesn’t talk loud but moves smart. If you’re betting the Preakness and care about speed, limits, and reliability over polish, this book absolutely belongs in your rotation.
XBet
Most sportsbooks talk a big game — flashy ads, empty hype, same clunky apps. XBet skips the noise and just delivers where it counts: your phone. While others are still stuck building desktop-first dinosaurs, XBet bet the house on mobile — and it’s paying off.
This thing isn’t just “usable.” It’s built to move. Pages load instantly. Bets lock in without a hitch. Live odds adjust fast — not five seconds too late. The whole app feels like it was designed by someone who actually places bets under pressure-cooker situations. Friction is nonexistent throughout the platform.
Live betting on the Preakness is where XBet really proves its mettle. We’ve seen it hold steady under pressure, even during major race days when other platforms start to stall. From exotic bets to straight action, every tap is smooth and responsive. If you’re betting from the stands, the bar, or your couch, you won’t miss a second of opportunity.
What makes XBet stand out isn’t just how fast it is — it’s how intentional it feels. They’re not chasing gimmicks or overloading you with promos. They’re building a betting experience that works in the real world, especially on big race days like this. For mobile-first Preakness betting, XBet is THE play.
Everygame
Everygame not only has a catchy name, but it’s appropriate because this betting site literally has every game and race too. It has an extensive sports betting menu (and even a casino too). Of course, we’re here for the Preakness, and let us tell you, Everygame has got the goods.
First of all, we’re impressed by Everygame’s in-play betting system. It really delivers during an event like the Preakness Stakes, where odds can shift fast and favorites don’t always finish strong. Everygame’s live betting is extremely dependable, no matter the outcome. No lags. No crashes. Just clean, real-time wagering that lets you stay agile. If you need to pivot late or double down mid-day, Everygame responds when others often freeze up.
Beyond performance, Everygame offers a deep range of horse racing bets — win, place, show, exactas, trifectas, and more. You won’t just find the obvious plays. There’s room to get creative with your strategy. Plus, they’ve got a reputation for rolling out smart promos during big racing weekends. Those deals are a perfect way to squeeze extra value out of the event.
If you’re looking for a sportsbook that stays cool when the race heats up, Everygame delivers. It’s not trying to be trendy. It’s just stable, fast, and built to handle race day without the drama. That’s exactly the kind of book you want backing your bets at the Preakness.
Why Did We Choose These Preakness Stakes Betting Sites?
The Preakness Stakes is one of the best betting opportunities of the year, so it is important to have the best odds from a sportsbook you can trust. Whether you are just getting started betting horse racing or have been playing horses your entire life and are shifting to modern online betting, finding an easy-to-use sportsbook that you can trust can be difficult. Expert analysis and insight helps.
We have vetted these sites, and these are the sportsbooks that offer what you offer what you need to make betting the Preakness fun and profitable. These sportsbooks are trustworthy, easy-to-use, and always offer true Vegas odds on Preakness Stakes contenders. This means you can sign up for our top sportsbooks and be confident that you will have the best experience with horse racing and sports betting all year long.
How To Sign Up To the Best Preakness Stakes Racebooks?
Let’s squash this myth right now — betting on the Preakness Stakes online is not hard. It’s not confusing. And it definitely doesn’t take long. Still, plenty of would-be bettors hold back because they think horse racing is complicated or old-school. Spoiler alert: it’s not, and we’re going to prove it. Below is a simple four-step guide to get set up and betting before race time:
- Pick your sportsbook: this is where our recommendations come in. We’ve laid out several top-rated horse racing sites above, each with their own strengths. If you’re chasing bonuses, go with the one that offers the best promos. If you want deeper exotic betting options, prioritize that. Decide what matters most to you, and choose the bookmaker that fits your style.
- Create your account: to borrow a good term, this is par for the course. If you’ve ever signed up for any website, you’ll know what to do — fill out basic details such as your name, email, age, location, and password. Some sites may ask for ID to verify your info, but that’s about as complicated as it gets.
- Deposit funds: it’s time to fund your account. Every site supports multiple payment options — debit cards, crypto, e-wallets, physical checks, and more. Choose what works best for you. Just a heads up: some sites offer extra bonuses if you deposit with crypto, so it’s worth considering if you’re looking to stretch your bankroll.
- Place your Preakness bets: you’re officially ready. Head to the horse racing betting section and find the Preakness Stakes. From there, you’ll see all kinds of gambling options — win-place-show, exactas, trifectas, matchups, futures, and more. Pick your horse, set your stake, and confirm the bet.
Boom — you’re set up and betting. The whole thing takes 10–15 minutes, start to finish. No hoops to jump through. Just a clean, straightforward path to betting the Preakness!
Bonuses and Promotions for Preakness Stakes Off Track Betting
The Preakness Stakes is one of the best chances all year to pad your betting account with bonus cash — and the top sportsbooks know it. They’re rolling out race-day promos designed to reel in horseplayers, with offers ranging from hefty sign-up bonuses to reload boosts, refer-a-friend rewards, and even crypto-specific perks. These aren’t your everyday deals — they’re timed specifically around one of the biggest races on the calendar.
The best part? These bonuses give you more betting ammo without having to dig deeper into your own wallet. Instead of stressing over every exacta or trifecta ticket, you’ve got room to spread out — maybe chase a longshot or mix in a few exotic plays you’d normally skip. That flexibility gives you more ways to cash in, and we’ve already sorted through the noise to highlight the promos actually worth claiming. Here are the top promos to put on your radar:
| Bookie | Welcome Bonus | Ongoing Promotions | Loyalty Program | Payment Bonuses |
| Bovada | 50% up to $250 | 75% crypto bonus + Free Bet Offers | Yes | Crypto Bonuses |
| Everygame | 100% up to $500 | $1000 crypto bonus + Free Bet Offers | No | Crypto Bonuses |
| MyBookie | 50% up to $1000 | 100% crypto bonus + Free Bet Offers | Yes | Crypto Bonuses |
| BookMaker | 20% up to $500 | $500 refer-a-friend bonus | Yes | Crypto Bonuses |
| BetUS | 125% up to $6000 | 150% crypto bonus + Free Bet Offers | Yes | Crypto Bonuses |
| XBet | 50% up to $200 | 100% crypto bonus + Free Bet Offers | Yes | Crypto Bonuses |
| BetNow | 100% up to $500 | 200% crypto bonus + Free Bet Offers | Limited | Crypto Bonuses |
Las Vegas Preakness Stakes Betting Odds
Preakness Stakes betting odds begin to appear as the race gets closer. It takes a few days after the Kentucky Derby for horses to recover from the race, and for their trainers to decide whether they can move on to race again in just two weeks.
| Preakness Stakes odds 2026 |  |  |  |
| Journalism | +160 | +175 | +160 |
| Sandman | +400 | +250 | +275 |
| River Thames | +450 | +520 | +500 |
| Clever Again | +500 | +800 | +850 |
| Goal Oriented | +600 | +600 | +600 |
| Heart of Honor | +1200 | +1200 | +1200 |
| American Promise | +1500 | +1500 | +1500 |
| Pay Billy | +2000 | +2000 | +2000 |
| Gosger | +2000 | +2000 | +2000 |
Preakness Stakes Odds Explained
Depending on the racebook you choose, you may see Preakness Stakes odds in three major formats. Here is an explanation of the different formats:
- American (+500): These are similar to what you see in American sportsbooks when betting other sports, and denote how much you win, but do not take into account getting back your initial stake. +500 means that for a winning $1 bet, you win $5. Add back your $1 initial stake, for a total payout of $6.
- Fractional (5/1): These are similar to what you see if you are betting a race at a racetrack. 5/1 denotes, in fractional form, how much money you win, but not your initial stake. So, for a winning $1 bet at 5/1, you get back $5 in profit plus your $1 stake, for a total payout of $6.
- Decimal (6.00): Decimal odds reflect both the winnings and the returned stake together in one number. So, a winning $1 bet with 6.00 decimal odds means you get back a total payout of $6: including the $5 profit plus the $1 initial stake.
Keeping these formats in mind will help you know for sure what odds each sportsbook is giving you on your Preakness pick!
How to Bet on the Preakness Stakes — Top Tips to Win
First, you need to know the best Preakness Stakes betting sites and odds. However, once you have that information, it helps to know a few hot Preakness trends in order to help you narrow down your betting opportunities and select the right horse. So, if you find a top sportsbook that is offering you better odds than you think the horse should have, you can feel confident about betting them!
Favorites
The favorites for the 2026 Preakness Stakes remain uncertain until the official odds are released. As the second jewel of the Triple Crown, the Preakness field typically takes shape after the Kentucky Derby results, making early predictions challenging.
Running Style
Tactical speed is good to see in the Preakness If a horse looks like they can get lone speed, it is a good idea to move them up in your handicapping. If there appears to be a contested pace, it isn’t impossible for a horse to come from behind, but consider a horse who can get first run on the truly deep closers.
Preakness Stakes Trainers and Preakness Stakes Jockeys
You can often depend on trainers and jockeys who have done well at the Preakness in the past to do well on race day in future years. Trainer Bob Baffert has won eight times, the most in Preakness Stakes history. Baffert won his most recent Preakness in 2025, when National Treasure beat Blazing Sevens and Kentucky Derby winner Mage to take the blanket of black-eyed susans.
Active jockeys who have won multiple editions of the Preakness include three-time winners Kent Desormeaux and Victor Espinoza, and two-time winners Javier Castellano and Mike Smith. A jockey who has won the Preakness multiple times is often a good bet because he knows how to get the best out of a horse going 1 3/16 miles at Pimlico.
Post Positions
Take the post draw in the Preakness Stakes seriously. More horses have won from the 6 post than any other, with 16 Preakness winners coming from that gate. Post positions 4 and 7 have also been very successful in the Preakness. It makes sense that the middle post positions have been so good in the Preakness. In a field of up to 14, drawing the rail can make it difficult for a horse to work out a good, clean trip. But, drawing a far outside post position can mean a horse loses ground on the turn, or has to hustle hard to get a good position up near the pace.
Weather
The Preakness Stakes is run in the middle of May. It often gets rainy in Baltimore, Maryland at Pimlico during the spring. This means you should check the weather in the week leading into the Preakness Stakes, and the days leading into the race. If it is rainy, look for horses who run well in the mud. That may be clear from their past performances if they have run in the mud before.
If they have not run in the mud yet, pedigree can provide a clue to how well they will handle the mud. Find out whether any of their parents or siblings ran well in the mud, or whether they are closely related to excellent sloppy-track stallions like Speightstown, Distorted Humor, or Bernardini. On a rainy day, finding out how a horse is likely to do in the slop can help you find a good longshot.
Sports Betting Sites