IMPORTANT: Limited Wagering Options for the Kentucky Derby and all Churchill Downs Races
There will be no over-the-counter or tote machine wagering on the Kentucky Derby or any Churchill Downs races at Hawthorne or Club Hawthorne betting bars.
All customers must use a mobile/online wagering account while watching the races on-site, such as: Twinspires | Xpressbet | FanDuel | NYRABets. Neither will The Kentucky Derby, The Kentucky Oaks or any Churchill race be available on the Club Hawthorne mobile wagering app or ClubHawthorne.com.
CASH WAGERING OPTIONS
Xpressbet customers may deposit cash for wagering and withdraw winnings from their mobile accounts with Hawthorne staff at the track (guest service counter) or at any OTB. Cash deposits are immediately available for wagering via Xpressbet on any and all race tracks. Funds from winning bets may be wagered on subsequent races at any race track or withdrawn as cash at any time.
FAQs
Why can’t customers wager on the Derby? Hawthorne is undergoing bankruptcy proceedings and to-date has not been able to settle accounts with Churchill Downs. Most other race tracks are now available to Hawthorne customers for wagering.
Can I still watch the Derby at Hawthorne venues? Yes! Hawthorne and Club Hawthorne betting bars (OTBs) will have more TVs showing the Kentucky Derby than any other venues in the Chicagoland region. Customers may eat, drink and watch the race with friends while wagering on their phones.
Is mobile wagering free? Yes, there is no additional fee to open or use a mobile wagering account.
How do I set-up a mobile wagering account? Accounts on any legal betting platforms (Xpressbet, TwinSpires, NYRA Bets and FanDuel) can be created quickly and easily from your phone by visiting their respective websites. Information required to open an account typically requires: name, address, email, phone and the last 4 digits of your social security number (for identity and age verification — must be 21). Customers are highly encouraged to open accounts prior to the Kentucky Derby.
How do I fund my mobile wagering account? Options vary by provider, but typically include funding via credit card, direct deposit from an online bank account, or ACH, Venmo and Paypal. Xpressbet customers may fund their accounts with cash via Hawthorne staff, who will collect cash deposits and credit funds to customer accounts accordingly.
Do I need to fund my account each time I wager? No. Mobile account wagering operates with advance deposits, similar to a debit card. Funds available in your account can be used to wager on any race or track. Bets will not be accepted if funds are not available in the account to cover the wagers. Funds accumulate in your account with successful winning wagers. Funds can be withdrawn or re-wagered at any time.
How do I withdraw money from my mobile wagering account? Again, options vary by provider but typically include direct transfer to an online bank account, ACH transfers, or payment via a check sent in the mail. Xpressbet customers can withdraw cash from their accounts with Hawthorne staff.
How do I wager on my phone? Each mobile betting platform has a slightly different user interface, but all platforms allow customers to select the track and race on which they wish to wager, the type of wager they wish to make (for example, Win, Place, Show, exacta, trifecta, etc.), their horse(s) selections and the amount they wish to wager. Wager summaries are displayed for confirmation before a bet is submitted. Bets may be canceled prior to the start of the race. Multi-race wagers are also available such as Pick 3s, Pick 4s, Daily Doubles, etc.. Again, customers are strongly encouraged to open an account prior to Derby Day to become familiar with mobile wagering. Hawthorne staff is available to help explain and guide players through wagering options but cannot and will not make wagers on behalf of customers.