NASCAR, F1, and the Rise of Car Racing Bets in U.S. Sportsbooks

Motorsports are gaining popularity among American bettors. NASCAR remains a favorite, while Formula One is gaining significant popularity. This article unpacks the distinct appeal of each series for bettors and explores smart strategies.

The Numbers Behind Motorsports Betting

The U.S. sports betting industry is booming, and motorsports are carving out a bigger slice of the action every year. In 2024, legal sportsbooks across the country took in nearly $150 billion in wagers, generating $13.71 billion in revenue—a 22% jump from the year before. While football and basketball dominate the headlines, NASCAR and Formula One are proving they can pull serious numbers, too.

Nevada alone handled over $1.5 billion in motorsports bets in 2022, and although exact national figures aren’t broken out, betting handle is trending upward as more states legalize and promote racing wagers. In Illinois, motorsports accounted for $11.5 million in 2023—just 0.1% of the total handle—showing that there’s still plenty of room to grow in some markets.

Formula One’s betting engagement is striking. Nearly 47% of American sports bettors say they follow F1, compared with just 23% of the general population. Among F1 fans, 28% placed an online sports bet in the past year—higher than NBA (25%), NASCAR (21%), or NFL (16%) fans. That engagement is boosted by new U.S. races in Miami, Austin, and Las Vegas, plus a steady expansion of sportsbook partnerships.

NASCAR, meanwhile, is seeing year-over-year betting volume triple in some states. A survey found that 70% of first-time viewers tuned in because they had placed a wager, and 86% said betting makes races more exciting. With nearly 40 race weekends on the calendar, NASCAR gives sportsbooks and bettors a constant flow of action.

Globally, the motorsport betting market was worth about $8.6 billion in 2023 and is projected to hit $22 billion by 2032. As more fans discover the thrill of betting on the track, expect these numbers to keep accelerating.

NASCAR Delivers Familiarity and Frequent Chances

NASCAR gives bettors a packed schedule. Nearly 40 race weekends mean constant action. You know the tracks. You follow the rivalries. The racing hinges on drafting and pit strategy. This predictability helps you bet smarter. Sure, you can pick the race winner. But look at Top 3, Top 5, or Top 10 finishes. Driver vs. driver matchups are popular. Stage winners offer quick results, too. Smart betting means digging into data.

How does a driver perform on superspeedways versus short tracks? Road courses demand different skills and may lead to more crashes, as evidenced recently at Watkins Glen. Consistent drivers like Kyle Larson or Chase Elliott top the odds for solid reasons. And the Daytona 500? It pulls tens of millions in bets alone. That’s real betting power.

Formula One Combines Elite Competition and Technical Nuance

F1 offers a distinct global appeal. The season is shorter, about 23 races, but each Grand Prix feels massive. Betting often focuses on top teams like Red Bull and Mercedes, and stars like Max Verstappen or Lewis Hamilton. But look deeper. You can bet on podium finishers, points scorers, fastest laps, or whether both cars from a team finish in the points.

Qualifying matters hugely here. Grid position shapes the whole race. Bets on pole position or the top 3 qualifiers are common. Understanding tires, track layouts, and weather is key. F1’s complexity makes it pretty rewarding for bettors who do their homework.

Starting Smart with Racing Bets

Placing your first motorsports wager shouldn’t confuse you. Pick a licensed sportsbook in your state first. Learn the main bet types. Moneyline means choosing the winner. Top Finishes mean picking drivers to end in positions like the Top 3 or Top 5. Head-to-Head bets pit two drivers against each other. Props cover things like fastest lap or margin of victory. Watch the odds closely.

Favorites win more often but pay less. Underdogs are riskier, pay better. It’s pretty simple once you know the basics. Research matters. Check recent driver results. How is the team performing? What’s the track history? Review practice and qualifying times. Don’t just bet big names. Does this track suit a specific car’s setup?

Understanding How Bonus Bets Add Value

Many platforms offer incentives to new users, and DraftKings is a major player in the racing betting scene. So, what exactly are DraftKings bonus bets? They function like site credit awarded upon signup or through promotions. Sometimes, unlocking them requires specific actions like making a deposit or placing a qualifying wager.

Getting DraftKings bonus bets is designed to be accessible. For example, you can register for an account using a bonus link or a promo code, then make a first deposit of at least $5. Next, place your first real-money wager of $5 or more on any available market – this could be a NASCAR winner, an F1 podium finish, or even a baseball game. Win or lose that initial bet, you'll receive $200 in bonus bets once it settles. This bonus arrives instantly but not as a single lump sum; it's divided into eight separate $25 bonus bets for you to use. You should always check the up-to-date bonus requirements and conditions to avoid misunderstandings.

Deploying Bonus Bets Strategically on the Track

Those bonus bets represent potential profit, so use them wisely. If you win using a bonus bet, you typically receive the profit amount as cash, minus the stake. For instance, a $25 bonus bet at +200 odds would yield $50 in cash if it wins. Consider spreading them across different races or bet types rather than risking them all on one outcome. You might use one on NASCAR favorite Jimmy Johnson for a safer return, another on an F1 podium contender at better odds, and perhaps one on a longer shot Top 10 finish.

Read the specific terms attached to bonus bets, including expiration dates and any market restrictions. It's pretty important to know the rules before you place the wager. Can you use them on any motorsport market?

Responsible Betting Keeps the Experience Enjoyable

Use the tools good sportsbooks offer. Set deposit limits. Take time-outs if needed. Self-exclusion is an option. Know the warning signs. Are you spending more than planned? Borrowing money to bet? Is gambling affecting your job or relationships? Remember, bonus bets are a welcome extra, not a reason to bet more than you can afford. Support is available if gambling becomes a problem. The National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-GAMBLER) provides vital help.

Motorsports betting mixes race day thrills with smart wagering strategy. NASCAR brings volume and tradition. F1 offers global scale and technical depth. Both have diverse betting options. Sites like DraftKings provide offers to start you off. But real success comes from knowing the sport, understanding the bets, and betting responsibly. Stay informed. Set limits. Enjoy the race. That’s the winning formula.