Players are put into the roles of breeder, trainer, jockey, and owner of a thoroughbred racehorse.

Vegetable salad, camembert cheese or chinese herbal dumplings are chosen, among others.

[3][4] Horse racing games typically have an image that they might be difficult to play, as some prerequisites were required, but with Derby Owners Club, the goal was to create a game that was easy to understand and play to appeal to a wide range of people at the arcades.

A pet simulator aspect was added so that the player can easily get attached to the horse and the game.

The cabinet set-up with multiple terminals connected to a big screen was also new, as was the ability to store the players progress on the card.

To retain that, a town was added where the players interact with others with an avatar and do various other activities, similar to an MMORPG.

[6] Despite initial success, the cabinet was too expensive and the game did not entice casual users which are essential to the western arcade market.

[10][11] A localized version called Derby Owners Club: World Edition was released in 2002.

A sequel was released in 2008, called Derby Owners Club: Feel the Rush and switched the arcade board from the NAOMI to the Lindbergh.