The Preakness Stakes, the Run for the Black-Eyed Susans, is the second of the Triple Crown races and held two weeks after the Kentucky Derby and three before the Belmont Stakes. In 2026, that means the race happens Saturday, May 16 at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland. The race covers 1 3/16 miles on the dirt, and has an exciting $2 million purse!
The Preakness is one of the most important horse races in North America and has been contested since 1873. Expect prolific betting action here matched only by the event’s electric atmosphere. This is the right place to find out your Preakness Stakes best bets and the right places to bet the Preakness Stakes online!
Let’s look at the Preakness Stakes online betting overview, which contains:
Best reputation among American bettors
Can deposit with interac e-transfer
Easy to use interface
Not too many promotions or contests
Odds
Bovada is a one-stop shop for many bettors and offers strong selections of betting odds including the Preakness Stakes with solid betting lines across.
Bonuses
SIA will match a 50% initial deposit bonus up to $250.
It isn’t one of the most reputable online sportsbooks for nothing. You can’t go wrong with SIA as one of your main books with its strong selection of odds, a wide variety of betting markets, and a competitive signup offer.
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Plentiful betting markets, perfect for serious players
Covers every major betting event in the world
Renowned customer service
User interface made for seasoned bettors, not beginners or amateurs
Odds
BetOnline has extensive markets including a dizzying amount of props, plus betting odds that are among the industry leaders including horse racing like the Preakness Stakes
Bonuses
Score a 50% Welcome Bonus up to $1,000 on your first-ever BetOnline deposit.
Among the experienced betting community, BetOnline is a no-brainer. Its collection of betting markets, great mobile betting and live betting platforms, and occasional promos make it difficult not to recommend and this applies with the horse racing section as well.
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Extensive betting markets
Plenty of secure deposit methods including interac e-transfer
Generous sign-up offer
Some negative sentiment about customer service
Odds
BetUS offers strong odds across the board; while it may not be the best odds for Preakness Stakes or horse racing, it is competitive and worth a gander
Bonuses
A bonus of up to $2500 in free bets awaits players when they deposit the same amount.
BetUS is a major player among online sportsbooks and you can tell right away with its stacked lineup of sports, which is easy to peruse with its online set-up. The nice sign-up offer and many options to deposit only make this book more accessible.
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Multiple sportsbook promos
Deep sportsbook menu
Rare sportsbook rebate program
Contests are boring
Odds
BetNow offers solid, competitive pricing across Preakness Stakes markets — whether you’re eyeing a favorite or spreading longshots in an exotic. The board isn’t bloated, but it’s sharp, focused, and updated early enough to catch value before it moves.
Bonuses
Unlike most books with a one-size-fits-all promo, BetNow lets you choose from four different welcome bonuses and offers ongoing rebates, including a sportsbook-specific one that pays back on net losses. It’s one of the most customizable reward setups in the game.
BetNow isn’t flashy, but it nails the fundamentals: fair odds, flexible bonuses, and a betting menu that makes sense on race day. If you’re looking for a no-nonsense place to bet the Preakness with control and clarity, this book delivers.
Read BetNow ReviewElite rewards program
Competitive odds
Platform rarely ever lags
Rewards program is invite only
Odds
MyBookie consistently offers competitive pricing on marquee races like the Preakness, especially for bettors building more complex slips like exactas and trifectas. The lines stay sharp and update quickly when it counts.
Bonuses
MyBookie stands out with its invite-only VIP system — a loyalty program that feels more like a Vegas comp setup. Every bet earns points across sports, casino, and racing, which can be turned into real cash for future wagers.
This isn’t a one-and-done sportsbook. MyBookie is built for those who show up all year — whether for Triple Crown races or weekly sports betting — and rewards loyalty with perks, bonuses, and a smooth, reliable platform.
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Early and sharp odds
Doesn’t limit high-rolling players
Full assortment of bonuses
Bookie lacks one “killer” feature
Odds
The odds here are routinely sharp across the board. Whether you’re eyeing a straight bet or diving into exotic plays like trifectas, you’ll find pricing that holds up — even as the public money floods in.
Bonuses
Sign-up deals, reload bonuses, free casino spins, rewards program — Sportsbetting.ag offers the standard list of deals. Not the most lcurative deals, but good jumping off points to make free play.
No gimmicks, no slowdown, just a clean experience built for horseplayers who take the Preakness seriously. If you want to bet with speed, precision, and confidence, Sportsbetting.ag belongs on your radar.
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Unique bonuses
Abundance of betting lines for PGA championship
Decades of betting experience
Platform could go for a modern facelift
Odds
Everygame posts competitive lines across the board, whether you’re betting win-place-show or loading up on trifectas and superfectas. Odds update fast and stay stable mid-race which is critical if you’re trying to move on late value without delay.
Bonuses
Everygame doesn’t flood you with gimmicks, but when it rolls out a promotion for a big race like the Preakness, it’s usually well thought out. These bonuses are typically simple, useful, and designed to give steady bettors a little more runway when the action heats up.
Everygame does what it says on the tin: it shows up with a full menu, solid lines, and clean execution. It’s not the flashiest name in the mix, but if you value reliability and control on race day, it deserves a spot in your betting rotation.
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Hardy puts limits on betting sizes
Long-standing name in the industry
Excellent casino to go alongside racebook and sportsbook
Platform looks too “old school”
Odds
Expect sharp lines across the board, especially on core Preakness bets like win-place-show and exotics like trifectas and superfectas. Odds are posted early and stay competitive giving you a clean shot at value without gimmicks.
Bonuses
Bookmaker doesn’t dangle oversized bonuses — instead, it rewards bettors with consistent value and fewer restrictions. It’s especially appealing for high-stakes players who want a no-nonsense experience without strings attached.
Bookmaker is built for serious bettors who care more about speed reliability and limits than flashy features. If you want a trusted platform that treats horseplayers with respect this is the book to keep in your rotation.
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Top-tier mobile app
Slick in-play betting experience
Forward-thinking team running the platform
Platform looks too “old school”
Odds
Whether it’s win-place-show or exotic bets, XBet’s odds update in real time and often ahead of the curve. That speed gives you the edge on race day when the lines shift fast and timing makes all the difference.
Bonuses
XBet offers competitive bonuses without burying you in confusing fine print or one-size-fits-all offers. Their sign-up bonus is simple, reliable, and gets you in the game fast — perfect for bettors who want to skip the hassle and start firing.
Everything about XBet is designed for fast, focused betting from your phone. It’s one of the most streamlined platforms out there — no lag, no distractions, just a clean app and all the tools you need to bet the Preakness with confidence.
Read Xbet ReviewThe Preakness Stakes isn’t just another stop on the racing calendar — it’s a high-stakes moment that sportsbooks treat like a holiday. To mark the occasion, they’re rolling out targeted promos you won’t find any other time. Not generic offers — real incentives designed for serious race bettors. Think sharp reload boosts, one-off crypto perks, and sign-up deals that actually move the needle.
The value here isn’t just in free bets — it’s in how those extra funds let you bet. You don’t have to tighten up or second-guess a bold pick. You’ve got room to take a swing at that wide-price horse or experiment with bets you’d normally talk yourself out of. That kind of cushion changes how you play — and how much you can win. We’ve already vetted the noise and narrowed it down to the offers worth your time. Here’s what you should be looking into:
| 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 |
Let’s face it — not all betting sites are built for horseplayers. Some bury the racebook under five menus. Others limit you to basic win-place-show bets. That’s why choosing the right sportsbook for the Preakness Stakes actually matters. When making our suggestions, we looked for these three qualities above all:
The best sites don’t just offer action on the Preakness — they go deep. Think exactas, trifectas, superfectas, head-to-head matchups, futures, and daily doubles. If a sportsbook only gives you the bare minimum, you’re missing half the fun. Look for platforms that let you get creative with your tickets.
Some promos sound generous but come with so many strings attached that they’re basically useless. The best Preakness offers are straightforward: deposit matches with low rollover, cashback on losses, or boosted odds on race day. You want promos that give you breathing room — not ones that trap your money.
Here’s the key most people overlook — is the sportsbook actually built for horse racing? You want a racebook that’s front and center, not tucked away like an afterthought. The best sites make it easy to browse tracks, view live odds, and bet across the board. If the racing section feels like an add-on, it probably is.
Scroll up — we’ve already done the hard part. Each site listed has its own strengths. Some lean into generous promos, others offer more exotic betting options or crypto perks. Figure out what matters most to you and pick the platform that fits. The rest of the sign-up process? Easy as can be. This is all it takes, four measly steps:
Sound easy? That’s cause it 100-percent is!
Even though the field for the Preakness Stakes does not take clear shape until after the Kentucky Derby, it is not too early to start getting to know the horses you will probably see on Preakness Day. After all, getting to know them now can give you a head start on deciding which horses are the Preakness Stakes best bets.
Betting is hitting all-time records with the Preakness Stakes much like the Kentucky Derby. Not having as many markets as the Derby can be a blessing, especially for those who want to hone in on select bets. Although fewer in bets, the Preakness Stakes still sports plenty of action. Check out these Preakness Stakes betting tips!
The win bet is an obvious one and is the bread-and-butter not only of the Preakness Stakes, but all horse racing events. Everyone’s out to figure out who is going to emerge victorious. And the way the odds here look can vary from year to year.
In most years, there is already an established favorite or a group of favourites. It is rare to see a Preakness Stakes where it was a free-for-all. In some cases, the narrative becomes about what the favourite can do: break records, win the Triple Crown etc. This is covered more in the section about Prop Bets.
Next to picking the Preakness Stakes’s outright winner is choosing between the horses and what place they will finish in. This is usually limited to what place in the top three will they finish or if they will finish in the top three at all (a podium finish).
You can usually find these types of bets for all the horses in the race. And they can be formatted in different ways depending on the sportsbook or the year of the race (some years have a higher profile than the others):
In addition to straight bets on individual horses, you can also bet exotic wagers. Exotics come in two broad kinds.
Vertical, intra-race, or single-race exotics involve picking more than one horse in the finish order of the race. These bets include the exacta (top two finishers in order), trifecta (top three), superfecta (top four), and even a high five (top five). These can be excellent choices if you have a limited list of horses you think you can run well, or if you want to key around a horse who is either a strong-looking winner or who often finishes second or third but does not win.
Horizontal, or multi-race, exotics require picking the winners of multiple races. These are excellent if you not only have a strong opinion in the Preakness, but also in other races on the card. Multi-race exotics include the daily double (pick the winners of two races in a row), Pick 3, Pick 4, Pick 5, or Pick 6. Rolling doubles or pick 3 wagers typically cover any group of two or three consecutive races on the card, though make sure to read the entries to find out which races are covered in longer horizontal sequences.
While not as bountiful as the Derby, the Preakness Stakes still offers a smorgasbord of prop bets. Both new bettors and seasoned pros will find more than enough to sink their teeth into. Here are some of the more popular event props that get released routinely:
Since the horses run this race, literally, you’ll find plenty of props centered around them. These vary from the conventional to the funky and can encompass such metrics such as:
The Kentucky Derby tends to have more props that include anything other than general event props or horse-related bets such as props for jockeys, owners, and trainers. It is possible for the Preakness Stakes to include these props although it may be rare and only on higher profile years, which features superstars.
Examples of these types of prop bets may include:
As far as prop bets go, they can be unique and limited to circumstance. They usually also have lower limits than the conventional bets. Pay attention to them differently than the straightforward “choose a winner” types of markets.
Strategies for Preakness Stakes betting can vary event-to-event, although there are some betting principles that stay timeless.
Firstly, identify your skill level. If you are a beginner, the first thing you need to do is become familiar on two fronts: how the Preakness Stakes works from a sport standpoint and how Preakness Stakes betting goes.
Do your handicapping homework. Read news articles about the Preakness Stakes and about what is happening. Search the event’s history and what the betting scene is like.
Once you have some knowledge of how this all works, you will need to look at the betting markets offered. From there, you will be able to tell which kinds of bets you understand and are confident enough to play versus the ones that you don’t.
A lot of Preakness Stakes betting is like betting in general: it’s about managing risk and maintaining discipline. This means having a clear goal in mind. What do you hope to accomplish?
When you’ve identified your skill level, scouted the available odds, and settled on your goal, you can now create a betting strategy around this. And as we mentioned, this starts with reading up on the race, shopping around for odds, and managing your bankroll. Last but not least, take notes of your progress.
Upsets are amazing, but don’t bank on them
While upsets are always memorable, they are only profitable for a few people. And it usually is by fluke. Not many upsets happen at the Preakness Stakes, which is also why the few that do are big deals. But don’t be discouraged from picking the dark horse. Expect the worst, hope for the best.
There is no one true “best online sportsbook” for Preakness Stakes betting
There are many good online sportsbooks for both American and Canadian bettors. We’ve listed some of the best, and our reviews can help you take the guesswork out of choosing a place to play. But feel free to find and review as many sportsbooks as you can. There is no harm in learning about more. Analyze your options and sign up for more than one book to reap the benefits.
The Preakness Stakes betting is only getting bigger
With new betting records set just recently, Preakness Stakes wagering isn’t going anywhere. With horse racing betting becoming legal and normalized, expect more money to come into the Preakness Stakes. This could mean more betting markets, more scrutinized betting lines, and of course, the potential for bigger upsets.
These are questions that bettors like you often have about how to bet the Preakness Stakes. They can help you have an easy and fun Preakness Stakes betting experience!
Duh — hence why this guide was written. In fact, we’d argue it’s better to throw money on the Preaness online since you can bet anywhere and everywhere!
Preakness Stakes betting odds reflect each horse’s chances of winning the race. When deciding who to bet on, you are looking for betting odds that are better than the horse’s actual chance to win. When you find that, it’s called an overlay, and it’s the perfect time to bet.
For online betting, Preakness Stakes betting odds are shown in three formats depending on where you choose to play. If you know how to read them, you will be able to understand odds like a pro.
American: This is the same format sports betting odds are typically shown in, particularly in the United States. A positive number reflects how much you win if you bet $100 on the horse. So, betting $1.00 on a horse at +250 means you get back $3.50 if the horse wins: $2.50 in profit plus your initial $1.00 stake. A negative number, on the other hand, shows how much you have to bet to get $100 in profit. So, if you bet $1.00 on a horse at -125 and the horse wins, you get back a payout of $1.80: $0.80 in profit plus $1.00 in stake.
Decimal: Decimal odds reflect what you get back, including both winnings and betting stake, per dollar that you bet if your horse wins. So, if you bet $1.00 on a horse at 3.50 odds, you get back a $3.50 payout: $2.50 in winnings plus your initial $1.00 in stake.
Fractional: Fractional odds show, as a fraction, the winnings you reap if your horse wins. So, if you bet $1.00 on a horse at 5/2 fractional odds and the horse wins, you get a $3.50 payout: $2.50 in winnings, plus getting back your $1.00 betting stake.
Most betting on Preakness Stakes horses starts after the Kentucky Derby, since that is when the field begins to take shape. Start tracking the odds in those days after the Run for the Roses, and be ready to place your bets when you see an overlay on your horse.
Betting on Preakness Stakes horses online is more convenient than going to the track because you can do it anywhere with an internet connection. You can play from a betting website on a phone, tablet, or computer; some sites also offer slick mobile apps that provide one-touch betting!
Betting the Preakness Stakes online is also better than betting it at the track because you can do it earlier. At the track, you can only bet it on the weekend of the race; online, you can take advantage of futures odds in the weeks leading into the race. And, if you bet at the track you don’t know your odds until post time. At many online sportsbooks, you can lock in your price.
Yes, you can watch the Preakness Stakes online. Some online wagering sites offer online streaming of racetracks, though not all of them do. If your most profitable choice does not, do not fear! In addition to broadcasting the race on its flagship TV network, NBC also streams the Preakness Stakes on its Peacock service, making it easy to watch the race live on an internet-connected device.
The 2025 Preakness Stakes was won by Journalism, ridden by Umberto Rispoli on May 17, 2025, at Pimlico.
About the Author
Trent’s your man when it comes to all things sports. He covers a wide range of sports for Sports Betting Sites, and has been published in some pretty reputable outlets, such as USA Today Sports, Vice, Bloody Elbow, Fight! Magazine, UFC 360, and Narratively. Trent’s got the inside track on all the happenings in the world of sports.
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