Betting Guide: Preakness Stakes 2025 – Top Sites, Promos & Betting Tips - (2026)

Updated: 23/02/2026

With the Preakness Stakes 2025 approaching, horse racing enthusiasts are gearing up for an exciting event at Pimlico Race Course. The anticipation is high as fans eagerly await to witness the second leg of the Triple Crown. This year, the spotlight is on Journalism, the 8-5 favorite, trained by Michael McCarthy, who finished second in the Kentucky Derby behind Sovereignty. McCarthy is a seasoned trainer seeking his second Preakness victory after his success with Rombauer in 2021. On the other hand, the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, at 88 years old, aims for a record-tying eighth Preakness Stakes victory with American Promise, a dark horse with odds of 15-1.

As the race day draws near, punters are exploring various betting options, including where to bet, the best betting apps, and exclusive promo codes offered by platforms like TwinSpires and FanDuel Racing. Let's delve into the key details of how to bet on the Preakness Stakes, top betting promos, and essential information for an exciting wagering experience.

Betting Sites and Promos

For those looking to place their bets on the Preakness Stakes, FanDuel Racing and TwinSpires are popular choices. FanDuel Racing attracts new users with a lucrative $500 No Sweat First Bet offer, allowing punters to wager up to $500 on their first bet, with a safety net that refunds the stake in bonus credit if the bet loses. On the other hand, TwinSpires entices new users with the promo code CBSSPORTS, offering up to $400 in bonus funds based on the amount wagered. Both platforms provide exciting options for bettors to explore and make the most of their Preakness Stakes experience.

Betting Options

When it comes to betting on the Preakness Stakes, punters have a variety of wagering options at their disposal. From traditional Win, Place, and Show bets to more complex Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta bets, there is something for every type of better. The Win bet simply involves picking the winner of the race, while Place and Show bets offer opportunities for success if the chosen horse finishes in the top two or top three, respectively. For those looking for a more challenging prediction, Exacta, Trifecta, and Superfecta bets require punters to select the first two, three, or four finishers in the exact order, adding an extra layer of excitement to the wagering experience.

How to Bet

Placing bets on the Preakness Stakes is a straightforward process, whether on your phone, tablet, or computer. Platforms like TwinSpires and FanDuel Racing offer user-friendly interfaces that make it easy for punters to navigate the betting options. To make a bet, punters can select the race track, choose the race number, pick the bet type, select the horse(s), specify the wager amount, and submit the bet. With the race set to start at 7:01 p.m. ET on Saturday, May 17, fans can eagerly place their bets and witness the excitement unfold.

Punters should also familiarize themselves with horse racing odds and payouts, which work differently from traditional sports betting. In horse racing, odds fluctuate until the race begins due to money going into a pool, impacting potential payouts. Additionally, bettors can cancel wagers before a race commences, providing flexibility and control over their bets. Multi-horse wagers like Exacta and Trifecta offer unique opportunities for punters to showcase their predictive skills and potentially earn significant payouts based on their selections.

It's crucial for bettors to engage in responsible gaming practices while participating in Preakness Stakes betting. With resources such as the National Council for Problem Gambling (NCPG) and Gamblers Anonymous available, individuals can seek support and guidance if they encounter any challenges with gambling. Responsible gambling is a priority across all platforms, ensuring a safe and enjoyable betting environment for all participants.

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