Whether it features fast cars or animals, watching a race is good fun. And while racing alone provides great entertainment, viewers can add an element of intrigue by placing bets on the outcome of a race as well as other happenings that occur during it. If you’re itching to place a wager on a race but don’t know where to start, here are some of the most popular racing events to bet on.
Formula 1
Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsports, featuring the best drivers on the planet in the fastest, most agile vehicles humans can safely make. Unlike some other racing events, Formula 1 has earned international fame as races take place around the globe, with more tracks now emerging in the United States, including Las Vegas. Viewership is also increasing, with 2.6 million people tuning in to the first Miami Grand Prix. As F1 expands into the United States, betting is expected to become even more popular, with Las Vegas achieving record numbers for betting on The Strip.
Among the bigger attractions within Formula 1 is the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is believed to have total bets exceeding $100 million for the endurance race. Monaco doubles that, with around $200 million bet per year on one of the most challenging racetracks.
Locals and travellers are in for a treat when seeing Formula 1 in person, too, with races taking place on most continents. Those lucky enough to have the cash for a ticket can experience beautiful cities like Monaco, Bahrain, and Miami and relax by checking out upcoming game releases while deciding who to place their wagers on.
IndyCar
Many, especially in the United States, consider the Indianapolis 500 the “Greatest Spectacle in Racing.” The race takes place on the 2.5-mile track at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. It is the peak of the IndyCar season and attracts a big audience, with nearly 5.5 million viewers tuning in. Betting has increased recently, and more ties to wager apps are emerging.
Bettors might want to know that IndyCar is considered more complicated to predict than Formula 1 because the cars are all the same. This means that a gambler can win more money with a smaller bet and higher odds when making a wager.
The 500 is one of the more popular IndyCar races to bet on, and its popularity will continue to grow as more betting platforms emerge, adding excitement to the already entertaining spectacle.
Daytona 500
Taking place in sunny Daytona Beach, Florida, the Daytona 500 is a 500-mile race on a loop track with banked corners, making straightaway speed and strategy important. An estimated $150 million in bets is placed on the event known as “The Great American Race.” TV viewership is reportedly down over the years, partly due to repeated weather delays as the race takes place near the unpredictably wet Florida coast. The amount wagered on the race still reflects its overall popularity, as well as how much fun viewers have watched.
MotoGP
MotoGP offers intense motorcycle racing on street courses. The racing circuit’s viewership is up significantly year over year due to the unpredictable competition, which also lends to a popular and continually growing betting market. Tight courses and skilled riders lead to dramatic outcomes, making placing a wager on MotoGP extra exciting. Just a caution: MotoGP may make viewers want a motorcycle, but it’s not as easy as it looks.
Monte Carlo Rally
Monte Carlo provides the backdrop for one of the most popular rally races, which started over 100 years ago in 1911. The race winds through the mountains and tests the drivers’ skills and tyres as they traverse ice and snow and head towards the same principality of Monaco as F1 racing. Placing a wager on this racing event is especially fun, as bettors must account for potential track hazards and unpredictable weather that could change during the race. Viewers who are into fast cars, unique driving conditions, and real-world challenges will truly enjoy this rally.
Kentucky Derby
While the often curiously named horses who run the Kentucky Derby aren’t gas or electric-powered, they provide the entertainment for one of the most popular racing events throughout the year. The race occurs at the historic Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, known for pageantry, unique hats, beautifully bred horses, and betting. Last year, a total of $320.5 million was placed in official bets, with $210 million set toward the eventual winner, Mystik Dan. The Derby also has excellent viewership, with 16.7 million people watching TV and streaming.
The Derby has a unique history with betting, too. Three years after the Derby started, the minimum bet was $5 for the race. In 1911, the minimum was lowered to $2. In 1911, a minimum bet on a horse with long 91-1 odds brought winners $184.90, which, to be fair, was a lot of money in 1911.
Conclusion
Whether you make a well-researched or spontaneous wager, betting on races is considerably more engaging than just passively watching. As one can tell from the amounts spent betting on these races, ranging from $2 on the Kentucky Derby to considerably larger sums on races like Monaco, motorsports bets are very popular—and still growing in some parts of the world. Have fun betting on the fastest sport on earth!
