Kentucky Derby betting declined 52% compared to 2019 as Authentic secured an upset victory on Saturday. Churchill Downs reported $79.4 million was bet this weekend, down from the record $165.5 million bet last year.
There were no fans present — a stark contrast to the more than 150,000 people in attendance last year — which meant the track missed the average of $22.5 million wagered in-person on Derby day. Also not included were Nevada sportsbooks, which didn’t take part in the Churchill Downs pool over an ongoing data fees dispute with the track.