Sportsbook exec discusses Kentucky Derby's popularity, rise of horse betting: 'It's the Super Bowl'

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As sports gambling continues to grow exponentially, so has betting on the ponies.

No horse race on the calendar will be bet on more than Saturday's Kentucky Derby - as Caesar's Vice President of Trading Craig Mucklow says, "This is the Super Bowl of horse racing."

Just before 7 p.m. ET, viewers around the country will watch the 20 horses head toward the starting gate at Churchill Downs, and just about every single one of them will have some sort of bet on it.

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A general view of Churchill Downs ahead of the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 06, 2023 in Louisville, Kentucky.  (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

It might just be the only horse race a decent portion of people watch in the entire year, but in recent years, there has been a sense of needing to be involved.

"It used to be an all men's game. Now, as sports gambling has become more involved…the younger generation is getting more involved, it's become more of a society thing as well," Mucklow said in a recent interview to Fox News Digital, noting that Tom Brady and other celebrities often show up in their pastel-colored suits and hats. "The Interest has increased."

Mucklow admits that horse racing bets only rise "around the marquee meetings," with Saturday's Run of the Roses leading the way "by a mile." Believe it or not, the Preakness and Belmont actually trail the Breeder's Cup races in terms of handle, but nothing tops the race in Lousville.

A general view of roses in the winner's circle with the Twin Spires in the background before the148th running of the Kentucky Derby on May 7th, 2022, at Churchill Downs in