How to bet on the Kentucky Derby in restricted US states – 2026 guide
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Some US states restrict betting on the Kentucky Derby. However, you can easily bet on horse racing on offshore platforms like Stake and Rainbet by using a VPN. Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN overall for the Kentucky Derby with consistently high speeds across all US states.
Betting on the Kentucky Derby online is highly restricted in Texas, Georgia, North Carolina, and several other US states. Because residents in these areas can't use regulated platforms like FanDuel or other legal advance-deposit wagering (ADW) apps, there’s a huge demand for alternative betting methods.
To get around local bans, users turn to international gambling platforms like Stake and Rainbet. However, because these sites block US web traffic, you can use a VPN to mask your actual location and access them.
Based on my tests, the best VPN for the Kentucky Derby is NordVPN, as it offers fast connection speeds and reliable geo-unblocking. You can also go for Surfshark as the best budget option or ExpressVPN for its top privacy features.
How to bet on the Kentucky Derby in restricted US states with a VPN
- Choose a reliable VPN – I recommend NordVPN, now 76%% OFF
- Install the VPN on your phone or computer
- Connect to a server in a location with legal online betting, e.g., Los Angeles
- Open the online betting platform and place your bets
Where Kentucky Derby betting is restricted in the US
Kentucky Derby betting is legal in most US states through licensed horse racing platforms, but it’s restricted in Georgia, Utah, Mississippi, South Carolina, Hawaii, and Alaska.
In states where horse betting is legal, residents can place bets online using ADW apps like FanDuel Racing, TwinSpires, and TVG. These platforms are licensed and regulated by state racing commissions, so users can securely deposit money and bet directly from their devices.
Restricted states operate differently: some allow only in-person betting at a physical track, while others’ state penal codes ban any form of wagering. For example, according to Chapter 47 of the Texas Penal Code, placing or settling an online bet is illegal, which is why major ADW platforms are illegal in Texas.
Using VPNs to access platforms like Rainbet and Stake in the US isn’t illegal, but gambling laws and terms of service still apply. For example, in the US, the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) restricts payments to unlicensed gambling websites, which can block your deposits or withdrawals. So, always check the applicable regulations before connecting.
Horse racing betting platforms available in the US
As I mentioned before, users can easily place their Kentucky Derby bets on official ADW platforms in states where it’s permitted. The following platforms are most widely used for legal betting in the US:
- FanDuel Racing
- TwinSpires
- TVG
- DRF Bets
- Xpressbet
These domestic platforms are heavily state-regulated and available only in approved jurisdictions. So, if you’re located in a state where online horse betting is prohibited, you won’t be able to access them or place bets.
Such strict geographical restrictions make some bettors use offshore gambling platforms. They aren’t licensed or regulated in the US, so using them requires alternative access methods. Despite this, they offer comprehensive horse racing betting markets globally. The main international platforms are:
How to bet on the Kentucky Derby from any US state: step-by-step guide
To bet on the Kentucky Derby from restricted US states, use a reliable VPN like NordVPN. First, download the app and connect to a server in a location where platforms like Rainbet or Stake are legal. Then, you can freely access the platform, create an account, deposit funds, and place your bet.
In this detailed guide, I’ll show you exactly how to use a VPN for the Kentucky Derby betting step by step.
Step 1. Choose a reliable horse racing VPN
Betting on the Kentucky Derby is restricted in some US states, so you need a VPN with servers in locations where platforms like FanDuel Racing, Rainbet, or Stake are available. When choosing a VPN, check if it provides fast speeds, stable connections, and strong geo-unblocking.
Based on the Cybernews tests, NordVPN is the best option for its reliable geo-unblocking and consistent speeds.
Step 2. Download a VPN app to your device
Once you’ve subscribed to the chosen VPN, download it on your device and log in with your credentials. Make sure to install the VPN only from official sources, such as www.nordvpn.com, to avoid malware.
Step 3. Connect to a server in a legal horse betting state or country
Online horse betting is legal in California, Florida, and Illinois, while international platforms like Rainbet are legal in countries such as New Zealand and Poland. So, connect to a server in one of these locations – this step will change your IP address and make it look like you’re accessing the platform from the state or country of your selected server.
Step 4. Visit your preferred betting platform and start playing
Most often, you’ll be able to start betting on the Kentucky Derby immediately. However, here are a few tips if your betting platform still doesn’t open with a VPN:
- Switch servers by choosing a different server within the same approved country
- Clear your cache and cookies so that the site only sees your new VPN location
- Use obfuscated servers to make it look like you use regular internet traffic, since some platforms block VPN connections
- Use a dedicated IP because shared VPN IP addresses may be flagged when thousands of people use them at the same time
Can you bet on the Kentucky Derby in restricted US states?
Since every state has different legal rules concerning online horse betting, let me explain how Kentucky Derby betting works in different states.
Can you bet on the Kentucky Derby in Texas?
Yes, but only in-person, offline betting is allowed in Texas. That’s why there are no legal online platforms. You can always travel to locations where online horse betting is legal or use a VPN to virtually connect to these states and bet on the Kentucky Derby from Texas.
Is Kentucky Derby betting legal in Georgia?
No, both offline and online betting are illegal in Georgia. To legally bet, you can travel to another state or country or use a VPN to change your virtual location.
Can you bet on the Kentucky Derby in North Carolina?
No, you can’t bet in North Carolina. Even though it technically passed legislation to legalize pari-mutuel horse race betting, it hasn’t issued licenses to any horse racing operators. The only way to bet on the Kentucky Derby in North Carolina is to use a VPN.
Best VPNs for Kentucky Derby
To bet on the Kentucky Derby from restricted US states, you need a fast, reliable sports betting VPN that can bypass geo-blocks and avoid getting blocked or dropped just before post time.
After testing over a dozen VPNs, we found that many couldn’t consistently bypass geo-restrictions or required constant server switching just to find one that wasn't blocked by the betting platforms. Here is the ultimate list of VPNs that work great for the Kentucky Derby:
- NordVPN – NordVPN has servers in all US states and shows stable performance with consistently high speeds. The same account works for 10 devices, while its dark web monitor protects your privacy by checking whether your personal data has been leaked.
- Surfshark – Surfshark is the most budget-friendly option for bypassing geo-restrictions. Unlimited simultaneous connections let you easily bet on all your devices, while a built-in antivirus will keep you secure.
- ExpressVPN – Express VPN lets you virtually travel to any US state and place bets securely. Its Lightway protocol ensures your connection won’t drop during a live race, while RAM-only servers won’t store your betting activity.
Is it legal to bet on the Kentucky Derby with a VPN?
While using a VPN itself is legal, the legality of using one to bet on the Kentucky Derby depends on your local state laws, as placing wagers through unlicensed platforms often falls outside official regulations. Because US gambling laws vary by jurisdiction, accessing offshore sites from a restricted state means you’re bypassing local prohibitions to use platforms that aren’t licensed in the US.
Beyond state laws, offshore platforms like Rainbet and Stake explicitly restrict US users in their terms of service and actively monitor for VPN connections. If these platforms detect that you’re masking your location, they may ban your account and limit your withdrawals.
Conclusion
A reliable VPN is a must for betting on the Kentucky Derby in states where horse betting is prohibited. It should successfully bypass geo-blocks and deliver consistent performance so it doesn’t disrupt your bets.
I recommend NordVPN for its consistently high speeds across all US states and superb security features. It lets you use obfuscated servers and a dedicated IP for private, block-free access to betting platforms. You may also try out the budget-friendly Surfshark and the privacy-focused ExpressVPN risk-free – all three VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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FAQ
Is Kentucky Derby betting legal in all US states?
No, Kentucky Derby betting is not legal in all US states. Betting on the Kentucky Derby is illegal in Georgia, Utah, Mississippi, South Carolina, Hawaii, and Alaska. In Texas, you can place only in-person bets at a licensed physical racetrack.
Why is Kentucky Derby betting restricted in some US states?
Kentucky Derby betting is restricted in some US states because gambling laws are set at the state level rather than the federal level. Restricted states have specific penal codes and strict legislation that prohibit online wagering or pari-mutuel horse race betting.
How can you bet on the Kentucky Derby from a restricted state?
To bet on the Kentucky Derby, you should travel to a state where it’s legally permitted, visit a licensed physical track if your state allows in-person betting, or use a VPN to access offshore betting platforms.
Can you use FanDuel Racing or TwinSpires in restricted states?
No, unless you have a secure VPN, preferably with obfuscated servers like NordVPN. These state-licensed platforms use strict geo-tracking to block users from restricted states.
Can you bet on the Kentucky Derby online in Texas?
No, Texas explicitly outlaws online horse race betting. You can only place bets in person at a licensed physical racetrack within the state or use a VPN.
Can you use Stake to bet on the Kentucky Derby?
No, it blocks US connections. However, users can use a VPN to bypass these restrictions.
Can you use a VPN to bet on the Kentucky Derby?
Yes, you can use a VPN to mask your location and access offshore betting platforms. However, doing so may violate most platforms' terms of service and lead to account suspension.
What is the best VPN for Kentucky Derby betting?
Based on our testing, NordVPN is the best VPN for Kentucky Derby betting for its reliable speeds and geo-unblocking.
Is Rainbet available in the US for horse racing betting?
No, Rainbet is an unlicensed offshore platform that explicitly restricts US users and blocks US IP addresses. However, you can use a VPN to connect to Poland, New Zealand, or another country where Rainbet is legal and access it.
Can I bet on the Kentucky Derby online?
Yes, you can use a VPN to encrypt your connection and attempt to access betting sites for the Kentucky Derby from restricted states. While a VPN masks your IP address, most major platforms use advanced geofencing to detect location spoofing, so use it at your own discretion. Notice: Using a VPN to bypass state gambling laws violates platform terms and may result in legal consequences.
