Betting on the Preakness Stakes is one thing — but betting it smart is something else entirely. The truth is, where you place your bets matters almost as much as what bets you make. Some racebooks give you sharper odds, better promos, or more diverse gambling options that boost your whole playing experience.
That’s why we’ve created this guide for you. We’ve broken down the best sites for Preakness Stakes betting — not just the ones that offer it, but the ones that actually give you an edge. Whether it’s horse-racing rebates, low rollovers, or killer race-day bonuses, these platforms make your money go further. If you’re serious about getting the most out of your online betting Preakness Stakes, keep on reading.
When and where is the Preakness Stakes run?
The Preakness Stakes is run at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The traditional date for the race is two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. That means, in 2025, the Preakness will be run Saturday, May 18.
How is the Preakness Stakes different from other horse races?
The Preakness Stakes is more important than most other horse races because it is part of the series of Triple Crown races. The $2 million purse means that it attracts top-class horses. And, the 1 3/16-mile distance is longer than most horse races, meaning it requires not only class but deep stamina in order to run well.
How do I bet the Preakness Stakes?
Betting the Preakness Stakes online is easy! First, check our list of recommended sportsbooks and choose the right site for you. All of our recommended sites have the basics: great user interfaces, market-leading Preakness Stakes odds, and trusted payouts. Each site also offers great player benefits and promos like horse racing rebates, deposit bonuses, or referral bonuses. Read our reviews to choose the best site for how you like to play, sign up, and then you’re ready to bet!
What kinds of Preakness Stakes betting options do I have?
There is a full range of Preakness Stakes wagering options to satisfy all bettors. You can place a win bet on a single horse, or even bet for the horse to hit the board with a place bet or show bet. If you have opinions on horses finishing second or third, perhaps your bet bet is an intra-race exotic such as an exacta, trifecta, or superfecta. If you have strong opinions on which horses can win other races before or after the Preakness, a multi-race bet like a Daily Double, Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, or Pick 6 may be the right call.
Can I watch the Preakness Stakes online?
Yes, you can watch the Preakness online! Some wagering sites offer streaming, though most do not; check with the site you choose. Even if your online betting site does not offer streaming yet, it’s still easy to watch. NBC and the NBC Sports network provide full coverage of the Preakness, including through their streaming affiliate Peacock.
Who won the Preakness Stakes in 2023?
National Treasure gave Bob Baffert his record eighth Preakness Stakes win in 2023. He set the pace and held by a head over Blazing Sevens for trainer Chad Brown. Kentucky Derby winner Mage, the morning-line favorite as well as the post-time favorite, chased on for third.
Preakness Stakes Online Racebooks
Preakness Stakes racebooks are everywhere this time of year, but most aren’t built with bettors in mind. They toss up the basics and hope you don’t notice what’s missing. The sportsbooks we picked below actually give you something to work with — whether it’s better odds, smarter promos, or a cleaner setup that lets you bet how you want. Here are the sites we recommend for getting the top online betting Preakness Stakes experience:
Bovada
Bovada has been a cornerstone of online sports betting for more than a decade, and that kind of longevity doesn’t happen by accident. While other sites have come and gone — some leaving customers burned in the process — Bovada has built a large, loyal user base by doing the basics right. That has put it on par with many licensed platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel in more ways than one.
For one, Bovada has a full-on racebook. This is not a “throwaway” platform in any sense. That’s obvious by taking a look at the betting menu. You’re not just limited to win, place, and show wagers. Bovada offers a full array of betting options — exactas, trifectas, superfectas, head-to-head matchups, and race-day props like winning time or post position outcomes.
The odds are consistently sharp, too. Bovada isn’t known for flashy promos or gimmicks — it’s known for offering fair prices and competitive lines. That’s a big deal over time. If you’re someone who bets regularly, a slightly better payout here or a tighter line there adds up fast. It’s the kind of edge seasoned bettors notice and value.
Beyond that, the user experience is just flat-out clean. Bovada’s site is smooth on both desktop and mobile with an intuitive layout that makes navigation effortless. Whether you’re dropping best bets for Preakness Stakes minutes before post time or setting your picks in advance, the process is seamless. It’s everything you want in a gambling site when it’s finally race day — reliable, fast, and straightforward.
MyBookie
MyBookie isn’t for tourists. It’s for the most committed of bettors — the ones who show up every weekend, win or lose, because they love the game. If that’s not you, that’s fine. But if you’re here for more than just a one-race fling with the Preakness Stakes, this book could be your long-term partner for all sports betting needs.
At the heart of MyBookie’s appeal is its VIP rewards program. Every dollar you bet puts you closer to exclusive perks, real cashback, and priority treatment. And it’s not just sportsbook action that counts. Casino spins, poker hands, parlays — it all feeds into the program that quietly rewards you for showing up and playing hard.
The catch? You’ll have to earn those goodies. That’s because this VIP program is invite-only, and that’s the whole point. You can’t just give the type of rewards being offered at scale — things like faster payouts, higher limits, tailored bonuses, and VIP support. If it were available to all players, the quality of it would fall off a cliff. Again, you've got to earn your keep at this site.
So if you’re in this for the long haul — not just chasing Triple Crown glory but building a betting life — MyBookie might just be the one. It has all the bets you need, wrapped in a killer VIP program that makes the betting site worthwhile.
BetUS
Every betting site worth a damn gives out free play. But no one comes close to the type of free play that BetUS is tossing out. And during major events like the Preakness Stakes — where casual bettors appear in droves — that kind of aggressive bonus strategy is exactly what separates BetUS from the never-ending list of racebooks.
While there are dozens of deals, we want to hone in on one: the jaw-dropping $6,000 welcome bonus. Most sportsbooks top out at a few hundred bucks, maybe a thousand if you’re lucky. BetUS blows that out of the water, and then some. We’re telling you, BetUS has multiple deals like this, it’s not just one.
What’s more is that extra free play changes how you bet. You don’t have to hedge every pick or stress over going big on a longshot colt. You’ve got room to play — exactas, trifectas, even longshot props — and the bonus cash gives you freedom to swing for value without burning your real balance. That’s a real mental edge when betting.
In a race as unpredictable and high-stakes as the Preakness, BetUS gives you every advantage you can ask for — starting with more free play than almost anyone else. So if you value free money and more mental confidence when wagering, you know where to go.
BetNow
Where most betting sites treat bettors like carbon copies of one another, BetNow does the opposite. This begins with promotions. New players will find four unique sign-up bonuses to choose from, each built for a different kind of bettor. Big bankroll? Low rollover? Crypto user? There’s a tailored offer for each. This bucks the trend of other platforms, which offer one deal, and one deal only to all players.
Even better, those options don’t stop once you’ve joined. BetNow keeps bettors in play with a trio of ongoing rebate programs, including a rare 10-percent and 3-percent rebate on racebook and sportsbook losses, respectively. That’s the kind of perk you don’t appreciate until a cold streak hits (which is inevitable, unfortunately) — and then you’ll realize how great of a safety net it is.
The race-day betting setup follows the same playbook. BetNow keeps the Preakness Stakes board clean as a whistle. You’ve got your win-place-show basics, of course, but also exactas, trifectas, and head-to-head matchups if you’re looking to get tactical. No clutter. Just a sharp, curated list that puts the focus where it belongs — on your picks.
This is what makes BetNow different. It’s not trying to be everything to everyone. It’s trying to give you control — over your bonus, your bet slip, and your betting strategy. And for players who want to do things their own way, that makes all the difference come race day.
BetOnline
BetOnline doesn’t mess around when it comes to the Preakness Stakes. This book shows up early, stays sharp, and delivers a race-day experience that feels dialed-in from start to finish. You’d be surprised how rare this is for horse betting, especially in an industry that overindexes on regular sports betting.
First of all, the betting variety here is legit. Of course, you’ll find win, place, and show — that’s table stakes, though. But BetOnline goes much deeper with exactas, trifectas, and superfectas, plus horse matchups and sharp props tied to race outcomes. Better yet, the odds get posted ultra fast. In the context of the Preakness, lines will be ready minutes after the Kentucky Derby hits the finish line.
Functionally, the site works as it’s supposed to. Navigation is smooth, loading is quick, and there’s no friction when you’re trying to lock in a last-minute wager. That reliability matters most when the post time’s ticking down and you need to move fast. Whether you’re firing off a pick five or adjusting your exotic bet minutes before the gate opens, BetOnline keeps pace.
This is what a real racebook looks like. We’d strongly recommend BetOnline to the bettors who take their thoroughbred racing seriously because this platform does too.
Bookmaker
Don’t judge Bookmaker by its web design. It’s not… what’s the word? Modern? Yeah, that’s it. In many ways, the site feels like it’s stuck in the early 2010s. But Bookmakers makes up for that in pretty much every other way. Here is a book that’s lasted for decades on the back of a no-nonsense approach to online betting.
Starting with the racebook, it’s a focused platform. You’ll get the full range of bets — win, place, show, exactas, trifectas, superfectas, even head-to-head props — but without any of the unnecessary fluff. Instead, the racebook prioritizes speed and clarity. When you log in, your bets are front and center. No autoplaying ads. No forced promos. Just clean, straightforward access to everything you need.
High rollers will feel especially at home here. Bookmaker is one of the few sites that actually welcomes large wagers. It doesn’t slash your limits when you win, and it won’t freeze your account when you’re winning too much. That’s a big deal when you’re firing on a marquee event like the Preakness and want a book that can handle real volume.
So while Bookmaker might not have the bells and whistles, it’s got what counts: reliability, speed, and respect for the bettor. If you want a racebook that runs hard and never leaves you hanging, this one’s built for you.
Sportsbetting.ag
Sportsbetting.ag isn’t flashy — and that’s exactly why it works so damn well. While other books are busy flooding you with cheap pop-ups and strings-attached promos, this one’s quietly doing what hardcore bettors care about most: posting early lines, offering fair odds, and staying out of your way when it’s time to lock in. Those qualities matter when the Preakness Stakes rolls around.
The speed of this site is most obvious. Sportsbetting.ag gets its odds up earlier than most across the board, whether it’s a straight win bet or an exotic of some sort. That early window is where the value lives too because odds aren’t mature yet. If you’re someone who wants to beat the public to a line before it moves, this is one of the places to do it.
What really seals the deal, though, is the pricing. Sportsbetting.ag’s lines don’t mess around. They’re routinely sharper than the competition, especially on high-stakes races. That means less juice, better payouts, and more room to play your angles — whether you’re backing a favorite or swinging for a longshot.
Add in a clean, responsive interface that holds up under pressure, and you’ve got one of the best Preakness racebooks out there. No fluff, no gimmicks — just a solid platform built for bettors who come to win.
XBet
There’s a difference between a sportsbook that has a mobile site and one that’s built for mobile — and XBet proves it the moment you log in. No clunky drop-downs, no overcrowded pages, just a slick interface that feels like it was designed by someone who actually bets from their phone. And let’s be honest, when race day hits and you’re out with friends or watching from your couch, mobile is everything.
For one, XBet has an aesthetic to it that most other racebooks like. This thing feels modern from the jump. But more than just good looks, XBet’s mobile site is highly functional. Odds refresh instantly, bet slips load without a hitch, and navigating from win-place-show to exotic wagers takes zero effort. Errors must never seem to happen here, no matter how hard we’re running the site.
Here’s the thing: it all just feels so natural. XBet doesn’t force you into endless tabs or random clicks. Everything is where you need it, when you need it. That kind of efficiency keeps you in the action, not stuck refreshing.
For serious bettors who hate friction, XBet’s mobile experience is second to none. It’s the reason you will keep coming back by turning your phone into an everything app for all things betting — casino, horses, sports, and everything in between.
Everygame
Everygame lives up to its name — because yes, it really does have every game and race on deck. From a full-fledged sportsbook to a packed casino, it’s a complete betting hub. But let’s stay focused: we’re here for the Preakness Stakes, and when it comes to race day, Everygame absolutely shows up.
What really gives Everygame an edge is its live betting experience. Most sites crumble when the action heats up, but this one runs smoothly. Odds shift in real time, wagers lock in instantly, and there’s zero lag even when traffic peaks. Whether you’re chasing a comeback or hedging mid-race, the platform keeps you locked in without skipping a beat.
The betting menu isn’t short on creativity either. Everygame goes well beyond the basics, offering exotic combos like exactas, trifectas, and custom props that let you build a card with some real personality. And right when you’re looking for value? They roll out targeted promos that turn good bets into great ones.
Everygame just gets the race day experience right. The layout makes it easy to find your wagers fast, the odds update exactly when they should, and the whole thing runs without a hitch when the pressure’s on. That’s what you need when laying money on Preakness Stakes best bets — a book that keeps up with you stride for stride.
Trustworthy Sportsbooks for the Preakness Stakes
We’ve tested more racebooks than we care to admit — not just clicking around, but really putting them through the wringer. Betting markets, payout speed, user experience, customer service, promo value — we’ve checked it all. And after all that mileage, you start to recognize what makes a betting site worth sticking with. The picks we’ve highlighted above met our lofty standards, and then some. Here are the qualities we were looking for most:
Trust
When there’s real money in play — especially on a race like the Preakness — your betting site better show up. No delays, no shady fine print, no ducking payouts when a big ticket cashes. The books we recommend have been stress-tested by us personally. They handle volume, they move fast, and they’ve built reputations by doing right by bettors, not just attracting them.
Betting Menu
Sure, you’ll find win-place-show on every racebook. But the great ones let you dig deeper. We looked for sites that offer creative bets — not just trifectas and superfectas, but head-to-head props, margin-of-victory lines, and combo plays that let sharper bettors carve out their edge. Flexibility is what sets great books apart.
Legit Promos
We’re not impressed by giant promo numbers if they’re locked behind garbage fine print. The sportsbooks that made the cut offer bonuses and rebates that are actually useful. They show up right when it matters — Preakness week included — and they don’t tie your bankroll in knots. From first-deposit matches to loss rebates, it’s value you can feel instantly.
Horse Racing Focus
It’s obvious when a site actually respects the sport. These racebooks aren’t second thoughts — they’re integral parts of the platform. Odds are easy to find, bets are easy to build, and the interface is made for the pace of live racing. No digging through buried menus or wrestling with bad UX. Just clean, seamless betting made for race day.
Join Now One Of The Recommended Preakness Stakes Bookies
Horse racing can feel like a maze when you first look at the betting board — all those terms, all those numbers, and no shortage of ways to bet wrong. But don’t let the chaos fool you. Betting the Preakness Stakes online is actually simple once you break it down. Here’s how to go from “what the hell is a trifecta?” to race-day ready in just four steps:
Step 1 — Pick your racebook: Your first move is picking a betting site that actually suits your style. We’ve already laid out the best of the best — some shine with killer promos, others have deeper betting menus or better odds. Figure out what matters most to you then choose the site that checks that box. That’s your home for Preakness and beyond.
Step 2 — Set up your account: Sign-up is pretty standard: name, email, location, and a password. A few sites might ask for ID to verify your account, but it’s quick and usually a one-time deal. No hoops, no delays, just the basics to get you rolling.
Step 3 — Fund your wallet: Once your account is live, you’ll need to make a deposit. Most racebooks accept debit and credit cards, crypto, and sometimes e-wallets. Pick any of these to fund your playing account. A heads-up — crypto often unlocks special deposit bonuses so it’s worth considering if you want the most bang for your buck.
Step 4 — Place your bets: Head to the racebook, find the Preakness Stakes section, and you’re in. Many racebooks have written explainers on what certain betting terms mean and how to read odds. Once you have a feel for the sport, you can go the traditional route with win-place-show bets or mix it up with exactas, trifectas, and head-to-heads. Pick your horses, set your stakes, and lock it in. That’s all there is to it.
Preakness Stakes Racebooks Offers
The Preakness Stakes is one of the best times of year to cash in on sportsbook promos — and trust us, the betting sites know it. They’re rolling out special offers just for this race: think sign-up deals worth hundreds in free play, crypto deposit boosts, reload rewards, and even refer-a-friend perks all tied to the second jewel of the Triple Crown. If there’s ever a time to stack your account with extra funds, it’s now.
The beauty of these offers is that they give you more room to maneuver without dipping into your own wallet. That means you can take a swing at an exacta, spread a few longshots into a trifecta box, or fire off multiple race-day props — all without sweating every dollar spent.
We’ve already sorted through the noise and pulled together the best promos actually worth claiming. No fine-print traps, no 30x rollover nightmares. Just solid deals that give you more firepower for the Preakness. Here’s our top recommendations:
| 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 |
How to Bet the Preakness Stakes
When deciding how to bet on Preakness Stakes horses, you can maximize your value by taking into account all of the information you can comprehend. This is a mix of information about the horses running in the Preakness Stakes that year, as well as historical information about what people and horses fit the profile of Preakness Stakes winners.
Even though the Preakness Stakes does not typically take shape until after the Kentucky Derby, it is not too early to learn the trends that help you find winners. Keep reading this Preakness Stakes betting guide and find out the trends that will help you maximize your profit!
Preakness Stakes Betting Odds
The favorite wins the Preakness about half of the time. This is a stronger strike rate than favorites have in the other two jewels of the Triple Crown. The longest-priced Preakness winner ever, Master Derby, was only a 23-1 shot.
However, with the advent of the points system in 2013, this trend may be changing. In the first ten years of the points system, only three of the ten Preakness Stakes winners were favorites. Two of the ten longest-priced Preakness winners ever, Oxbow and Cloud Computing, won during that time.
What does this mean for how to bet the Preakness Stakes? It means that now, more than ever, do not be afraid to bet a mid-priced horse or longer shot that you like.
Preakness Stakes Pace
As the old adage says, the pace makes the race. In most editions of the Preakness, a deep closer doesn't win the race. Instead, the Preakness Stakes best bet is a horse who has tactical speed. That means they can set the pace (especially if no one else wants to), or they can set up close enough to the pace not to have too much to do in the final half mile of the race.
Of course, any blanket statement about the pace of a race has its exceptions. Even though tactical speed often wins the Preakness, if a particular year's edition of the Preakness is full of nothing but closers, don't be shy about deciding that a price horse with good late pace ability will be able to come pick up all of the pieces.
Preakness Stakes Trainers and Preakness Stakes Jockeys
When choosing a winner in the Preakness Stakes, looking at trainers and jockeys who have won the race before can help. Though the price can be a little lower on horses trained by known successful competitors, that can be okay if the horse is good enough, because connections who know how to win truly can increase a horse's chance.
Among active trainers, Bob Baffert leads all active conditioners with seven victories. Five of his seven winners also won the Kentucky Derby, though he can also win the race with a good horse who did not win the Derby. Other active trainers who are frequent Preakness winners, and who deserve a long look if their horses enter the race, include D. Wayne Lukas, Chad Brown, and Steve Asmussen.
From a riding perspective, looking at riders who have won multiple editions of the Preakness can point you toward someone who can get the best out of a horse at the 1 3/16-mile trip of the Preakness. Among active riders, Kent Desormeaux and Victor Espinoza lead with three Preakness wins, while Mike Smith and Javier Castellano have two.