Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:53

Kentucky Derby 2025: Journalism works with stablemate Endlessly

By Brad Free
Benoit Photo
Journalism is expected to get his final prep for the Kentucky Derby in the April 5 Santa Anita Derby.

Journalism, early favorite for the Kentucky Derby, worked in company Saturday with Kentucky Derby alumnus Endlessly. Both colts are trained by Michael McCarthy. Endlessly, a turf/synthetic specialist who finished ninth in the 2024 Derby, is training toward a spring comeback on turf.

“Endlessly is a pretty lackluster type work horse, so I needed something to pique his interest,” McCarthy said. “I put Journalism inside, just to get his attention. It was just a solid work, that’s all I was looking for. I don’t need to go fast. We know he’s fast.”

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:51

Kentucky Derby 2025: Barnes to stay equipped with blinkers after disappointing drill

By Brad Free
Benoit Photo
Barnes's next start remains to be determined, but he will continue to race with blinkers.

Barnes has slipped in popularity, partly based on a disappointing blinkers-off workout Sunday at Santa Anita. Barnes was outworked by Rodriguez, a stablemate he defeated by more than nine lengths while finishing second in the Grade 2 San Felipe Stakes on March 1.

The tables turned in the workout. Barnes pressed Rodriguez from the outside, but Barnes could not get past his rival and pulled up soon after the finish while Rodriguez went another furlong. It was a puzzling work by Barnes, five furlongs in 1:00.

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:35

Masqueparade stretches back out to defend Temperence Hill title

By Mary Rampellini
Barbara D. Livingston
Masqueparade will break from post 4 on Friday with Oaklawn’s leading rider, Cristian Torres, aboard.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – It’s all about endurance Friday at Oaklawn Park, where the annual Racing Festival of the South begins with Masqueparade stretching back out to three turns to defend his title in the $200,000 Temperence Hill.

Caesars Sportsbook promo code PLAYRACEDYW for March Madness: Win double on up to 10 bets during Sweet 16

March Madness has finally reached the Sweet 16, and new customers betting on the games can win double on up to 10 of their favorite bets by using Caesars Sportsbook promo code PLAYRACEDYW.

The deal awards 10 100% profit boost tokens to first-time Caesars users who redeem the welcome bonus. The deal will be unlocked as soon as they bet $1 on any valid Caesars event, including the Sweet 16.

 

 

Fanatics Sportsbook promo code for March Madness: Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat bets for Thursday's Sweet 16

Don’t worry, the drought is over. March Madness is returning to television screens across America with the Sweet 16 on Thursday, and our Fanatics Sportsbook promo will help all new bettors collect up to $1,000 in bonuses.

The offer guarantees up to $100 in no seat bets per day for 10 straight days. More information about the offer and how it can be unlocked can be found below.

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:06

Kentucky Derby: Who's hot, who's not for March 26, 2025

By Brad Free
Barbara D. Livingston
Tiztastic burst onto the Kentucky Derby scene with this win in the Louisiana Derby last Saturday.

WHO’S HOT

Tiztastic delivered the performance of his career to win the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and give trainer Steve Asmussen a shot at his first Kentucky Derby victory with his 27th Derby starter. Tiztastic, 3 for 8, will train into the Derby. Tiztastic rejoins Derby Watch at 25-1 by Daily Racing Form linemaker David Aragona.

Today's NBA best bets, top sportsbook bonus offers

Submitted by kpomponio on Tue, 03/25/2025 - 17:30

Eight NBA games are on tap Tuesday, March 25, including the TNT national doubleheader.

It’s the perfect recipe for sports betting, and following we detail the top current sportsbook bonus offers along with our best bets for Tuesday’s pro basketball slate.

First-time customers tagging our recommended wagers can take advantage of these promo offers which are worth up to a combined $6,450 in welcome bonuses (see list below).

Texas Sports Betting

No state has exhibited such an unbridled capitalistic spirit or "us against them" swagger than the country's second most-populous state, but conservative forces in the Texas Legislature have thus far succeeded in squashing any effort to legalize sports betting.

Our Best Texas Sports Betting Offers

 

Disclaimer: For those outside of Texas, you may face restrictions on the offers you see on this page.

About Sports Betting in Texas

Everything's bigger in Texas and, in many ways, you'd expect legal gambling would be big there, too. No state has exhibited such an unbridled capitalistic spirit or "us against them" swagger than the country's second most-populous state, but conservative forces in the Texas Legislature – which only meets in odd-numbered years – have thus far succeeded in squashing any effort to legalize sports betting.

Granted, pro-sports betting forces have made considerable progress in recent legislative sessions. But the bar for legalization is high, as getting sports betting across the goal line would require the support of two-thirds of all legislators before being put to a vote of the people.

Most prognosticators have set an over-under of 2030 on when Texas will legalize sports betting. But a lot can happen between now and then, and the unanimous support of the state's pro sports owners – not to mention Texas's legendarily rabid football fandom – have bettors and bookmakers alike salivating at the prospect.

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Texas Sportsbooks

Currently Operating Sportsbooks

Sports Betting Legalization in Texas

Legalization Timeline

  • Alliance formed to push for sports betting legalization

    April, 2021

    A group of sports betting operators and pro sports franchises comes together to form the Sports Betting Alliance, whose goal is to legalize sports betting in Texas. Despite their efforts, the 2021 legislative session would close without passage of sports betting legislation, pushing the issue to 2023.

  • Gubernatorial candidates voice support for sports betting

    April 21, 2022

    Beto O'Rourke, the Democratic Party's nominee for governor, voices his support for the legalization of sports betting in Texas. His opponent – and the race's eventual victor – Greg Abbott would follow suit, albeit more tepidly, upon getting reelected.

  • Sports betting bills pass House committee but stall in Senate

    April 3, 2023

    Two sets of sports betting bills pass the Texas House State Affairs Committee but come up just short of the required two-thirds majority to move on to the Senate. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, a longtime opponent of sports betting, slams the door on sports betting until the 2025 legislative session by saying it will not be heard on the Senate floor in 2023.

  • Mark Cuban sells Dallas Mavericks to casino magnates

    May 29, 2023

    Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban sells the NBA franchise to the Adelson family, which runs the Las Vegas Sands casino company and has already pumped tens of millions of dollars into the effort to legalize casino-resorts in Texas.

FAQs

Is sports betting legal in Texas?

Sports betting is not legal in Texas despite the state's ravenous appetite for bootstrap capitalism and football, among other related endeavors.

Who can bet on sports in Texas?

While offshore sportsbooks presumably thrive as a result, nobody can legally bet on sports in the nation's second most-populous state. To bet legally, Texans must cross into neighboring states like Louisiana, Arkansas, and New Mexico.

Who regulates sports betting in Texas?

Since sports betting is not yet legal, the entity that is tasked with regulating it is to be determined – although the Texas Lottery is a possibility.

What can I bet on in Texas?

The only sport people in Texas can bet on is horse racing, which has parimutuel pools that function separately from other athletic wagering markets.

What can't I bet on in Texas?

It is illegal, as of right now, to bet on any sport other than horse racing in Texas.

Is DFS legal in Texas?

Sort of. FanDuel, DraftKings, and other daily fantasy sports providers operate in the state, although the Texas Legislature and courts have yet to issue a definitive ruling on the legality of DFS.

Is it legal to bet on horse racing in Texas?

It is legal to bet on horse racing in Texas. Live racing is held regularly at three tracks – Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie, Retime Park in Selma, and Sam Houston Race park in Houston – each of which also offers simulcast wagering on races elsewhere in North America. Texas does not allow for the same sort of bets to be placed online via account wagering, however.

Have other Questions? Email cservice2@drf.com

Responsible Gambling

21+. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Missouri sports betting license application process could begin May 15

Submitted by kpomponio on Tue, 03/25/2025 - 14:36

The Missouri Gaming Commission says it is planning to open the sports betting license application process by May 15.

The MGC has posted the announcement on its website as it continues the process of launching live sports wagering.

State’s licensing rules set to go into effect Aug. 30 

Missouri sports betting was approved via state Amendment 2 last fall by a margin of less than 3,000 votes.

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