Kentucky Derby Events At Encore Boston Harbor, Suffolk Downs, Plainridge

Go straight to the main content.

Written By Adam Hensley on May 3, 2025
Massachusetts Kentucky Derby watch parties at Encore, Suffolk Downs, from play-ma.com

We’re approaching the Kentucky Derby.

The opening leg of the Triple Crown is set to commence on Saturday afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky.

Don’t fret if you can’t attend Churchill Downs adorned with a fancy hat. There are numerous celebrations scheduled in the Massachusetts region this year, and yes, wearing derby attire is highly encouraged.

This year, casinos and racetracks are offering a range of Kentucky Derby events. Take a look at some of the options available.

Plainridge Park Casino hosting a watch party fundraiser

Plainridge Park Casino intends to transform the Kentucky Derby into a charitable affair, offering attendees the opportunity to enjoy Massachusetts horse racing betting, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and contribute towards the fight against breast cancer through donations to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

The Derby Day Watch Party Fundraiser will take place on Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. ET.

For only $50, you can enjoy the general admission to this event. It grants you access to a complimentary glass of bubbly, a charcuterie board to munch on during the event, and $25 worth of Free SlotPlay.

Customers have the option to enhance their experience by upgrading to VIP admission for a cost of $75. This upgraded package grants them privileges such as a glass of bubbly and a charcuterie board, similar to the perks offered in general admission. However, the added benefit is that they can enjoy early access to the event, starting at 3 p.m.

No matter which ticket package you opt for, you can stream all the Kentucky Derby action on Saturday at Plainridge Park’s simulcast center.

A portion of the event’s profits will be allocated to the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Boston, an organization committed to providing support, promoting awareness, and conducting research for breast cancer.

While there is no rigorous dress code for this event, Plainridge Park does encourage attendees to don Kentucky Derby attire.

Tickets are available for purchase here.

Encore Boston Harbor hosts derby day benefit

Encore Boston Harbor is set to host the Sandra K. Russell Derby Day Benefit for Mito this coming Saturday.

According to the Mito Action website, the event will feature an array of elements such as big hats, bow ties, amazing silent and live auction items, and their signature mint juleps.

In 2008, Sandra Russell passed away following a courageous fight against mitochondrial disease. This occasion not only serves as a tribute to Russell’s memory but also aims to raise funds for a noble cause.

Mito Action’s website states that the Derby Day event has not only raised over $1.5 million for individuals affected by mitochondrial disease but has also contributed towards scholarships and facilitated summer camp opportunities for children.

You can purchase tickets here, with prices ranging from $175 to $10,000 for presenting sponsors.

Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park have simulcast wagering

Although Suffolk Downs and Raynham Park do not have any dedicated Kentucky Derby events mentioned on their websites, Massachusetts residents are still able to place bets on the prestigious Run for the Roses.

Both of these spots provide simulcast wagering. Additionally, Plainridge Park is the last of the three locations in Massachusetts to offer simulcast wagering.

MGM Springfield: Square One watch party

The Armory Square at MGM Springfield will be the venue for Square One’s annual Kentucky Derby watch party.

The admission fee for the event is $75, and it will take place from 5-8 p.m. Attendees can enjoy watching the race on a large screen and indulge in drinks, food, auctions, prizes, and, of course, it is highly recommended to dress in fancy attire.

Additionally, there is a wide range of sponsorship opportunities available, starting from $250 and going up to $10,000.

By purchasing tickets here, you are contributing to Square One, a charity dedicated to offering family-friendly education and support services to children and families throughout Massachusetts. All proceeds will directly benefit their cause.

Other Kentucky Derby betting options

In addition to FanDuel Racing Massachusetts, DK Horse, TwinSpires, 1/st Racing, and NYRA Bets are also platforms where fans can place wagers.

One of the more recent choices for Massachusetts residents is FanDuel Racing, which is FanDuel’s horse racing endeavor. As implied by its name, it provides a horse racing 101 section for individuals seeking to enhance their understanding of the terminology. Furthermore, FanDuel Racing presents a “race of the day,” live streams every horse race, and offers a plethora of specialty bets.

FanDuel Racing has launched in Massachusetts just in time for the Kentucky Derby. To find out more, continue reading.

DK Horse, a recently launched offering from DraftKings, originating in Massachusetts, continues to attract bettors nationwide. The approval of DK Horse by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission last month has paved the way for its availability in not only Massachusetts but also in 13 other states.