Betting on motorsport is growing quickly in the United States, driven by NASCAR’s long-standing popularity and Formula 1’s rapid expansion across the US market. With legal sports betting now available in many states, fans can wager on race outcomes, driver matchups, and season-long championships across both series.

This guide covers where you can bet, what markets are available, and how NASCAR and Formula 1 betting differ for US audiences.

Where You Can Bet on NASCAR and Formula 1 in the US

US motorsport fans can bet through a mix of traditional sportsbooks and fantasy-style pick’em platforms, depending on state regulations.

Sportsbooks

In states with regulated online sports betting, NASCAR and Formula 1 markets are commonly offered by operators such as:

• DraftKings
• FanDuel
• BetMGM
• Caesars Sportsbook

These sportsbooks typically offer pre-race markets, futures betting, and in some cases live or in-race wagering.

Fantasy & Pick’em Platforms

In states where traditional sports betting is limited, fantasy-style platforms also allow motorsport-based picks, including:

• Underdog Fantasy

These platforms usually focus on over/under style picks, driver performance comparisons, or contest-based formats rather than fixed-odds betting.

Availability varies by state, so always check what’s permitted where you live.

Betting on NASCAR in the US

NASCAR is particularly well-suited to betting due to its large fields, frequent cautions, and strategic complexity. Mechanical issues, pit strategy, restarts, and track position all play a major role in race outcomes.

Popular NASCAR Betting Markets

• Race winner
• Head-to-head driver matchups
• Top 3, top 5, and top 10 finishes
• Pole position
• Stage winners
• Season championship futures

Track type matters significantly. Superspeedways tend to produce higher variance, while intermediate ovals and short tracks reward consistent teams and strong race management.

Betting on Formula 1 in the US

Formula 1 betting has expanded rapidly as the sport grows its American footprint with races in Austin, Miami, and Las Vegas.

While outright race winners can be more predictable due to car performance differences, a wide range of other markets offer value.

Common Formula 1 Betting Markets

• Race winner
• Podium finishes
• Head-to-head driver matchups
• Qualifying winner and pole position
• Points finish (top 10)
• Fastest lap
• Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship futures

In Formula 1, understanding car performance, upgrades, qualifying pace, and race strategy is often more important than focusing on driver reputation alone.

Is Motorsport Betting Legal in the US?

Motorsport betting is legal in many US states through licensed operators. NASCAR and Formula 1 are generally treated the same as other professional sports, but available markets and bet types can differ depending on state regulations.

Always confirm local rules before placing wagers.

NASCAR vs Formula 1 – Key Betting Differences

• NASCAR features larger fields and higher unpredictability
• Formula 1 has smaller grids and more consistent front-runners
• NASCAR offers wider outright odds and more variance
• Formula 1 often provides better value in matchups and points markets

Both reward preparation, but the betting approach differs significantly between the two.

Final Thoughts

Betting on NASCAR and Formula 1 gives US fans another way to engage with race weekends, whether through traditional sportsbooks or fantasy-style platforms. Understanding the differences between the two series, choosing the right markets, and knowing which operators are available in your state are key to betting responsibly and effectively