Whether you call it the Derby, the Run for the Roses, or the Fastest Two Minutes in Sports, the Kentucky Derby is unquestionably the biggest even in American horse racing. It’s also, unquestionably, a really good time for grabbing new players for your sports book affiliate programs.
Because the Kentucky Derby is steeped in traditions that include everything form elaborate hats to a signature drink, the opportunities for creating non-gaming content, that’s still relevant to your site, are pretty profound. If you’re going to be promoting the Derby to your players, here are a few facts to keep in mind.
More Than Just a Horse Race
The actual race is merely the culimination of a two-week Kentucky Derby Festival that creates a carnival atmosphere in the Bluegrass State. The Festival includes standard carnival fare, but gives sports affiliate an opportunity to guest blog on popular travel sites. Article topics like Betting Tips for First Time Derby Fans are a good example of the types of content you could pitch.
Horse Racing’s Triple Crown
The Kentucky Derby is a the first of the big events known collectively as the Triple Crown. The Preakness and Belmont Stakes. As the first, and crown jewel, racing’s big events, the Derby is closely watched by amateurs and professional bettors.
It’s worth noting that race promoters are actively seeking younger viewers and promoting their events accordingly. The Belmont Stakes in particular is cultivating a sort of party atmosphere that’s similar to a music festival. Younger players may not understand the basics of horse racing and this is a great opportunity to reach out to them.
Promotions
Kentucky Derby time is also a good time for promoting new sports books to your players. Here are some great deals from CAP approved affiliate programs.
Twinspires – This is the official online wagering home of the Kentucky Derby and they are serious about promoting this event. As part of their promotions, they’re offering up a pair of tickets for next year’s Derby to some lucky affiliate. To be entered in the drawing for the big prize, all you have to do is send a total of 15 qualified players to Twinspires.com during the months of May and June; that’s it. Their affiliation with the Triple Crown should make promoting this site to new players, who may be reluctant to wager online, that much easier.
Bet 365 – Bet 365 is offering a $200 match bonus for new customers that’s a perfect promotion for Derby time. They also offer a 30 percent revnue share with affiliate partners.
Betfair – New players to Betfair’s sports book can get a £25 free bet refund on their first bet. A perfect promotion for new players. Betfair also offers a standard 35 percent revnue share agreement.
888 Affiliates – Derby bettors who are looking to spread out their money a bit might be intrugued by 888’s latest promotion. Players can get up to £50 in free bets spread out in £10 increments. That means they can make their first five (£10) bets practically free. Affiliate partners can also grab an extra $500 for their first five approved players.
What are you doing for the Kentucky Derby? Let us know on our General Discussion Forum.