Is it Legal to Bet on the Daytona 500?

The Super Bowl has come and gone, and now it’s time for NASCAR’s version - the Daytona 500. The 500-mile race is held in Daytona Beach, Florida, so there have been a lot of questions raised about legally betting on the race. Let’s dive into the details about betting on NASCAR and the Daytona 500.

NASCAR and Sports Betting

Sportsbook Partnerships

Here’s a fun fact: NASCAR was the first sports league to partner with the American Gaming Association in 2021. NASCAR was ahead of the game and understood that sports betting was going to become a part of every sport, so they partnered with the AGA early. They then partnered with BetMGM and WynnBet. Since then, NASCAR has also agreed to a deal with other sportsbooks like DraftKings.

The partnership with DraftKings seemed inevitable since sports betting was on the verge of being legalized in North Carolina, where Charlotte Motor Speedway is located. Plus, it was announced that “DraftKings also has been named the exclusive daily fantasy sports partner of NASCAR in the United States and Canada.” NASCAR has not been shy about branching out into the sports betting industry.

Sports Betting Advertising on Cars

If you’ve ever watched a NASCAR race, you will have noticed the advertisements covering the cars. The advertisements range from food, beer, and candy companies, but in the last few years there has been an increase in sports betting ads on NASCAR cars. In 2021, BetMGM debuted the first car to be branded by a sports betting company. Tyler Reddick and Austin Dillon drove the two BetMGM cars during the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway (per KSNV). 

Two years later, DraftKings partnered with NASCAR and got their brand on two cars. Tyler Reddick and Bubba Wallace were the two drivers of DraftKings-emblazoned cars that appeared at the New Hampshire Motor Speedway last summer for the first time. 

Who is allowed to bet on sports in the United States? 

Age Requirements

The majority of states that have legalized sports betting require the user to be at least 21 years old. However, there are certain states that have lowered the required age to 18 years old. Those locations include Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Wyoming and Washington, D.C. Since sports betting laws differ by state, the user must obey the state’s rules in which they are located. For example, a 19-year old from Kentucky cannot bet while in Florida since the state of FL requires the user to be at least 21.

Location Requirements

As of today, there are 38 states, plus Washington D.C. and Purerto Rico, that have legalized sports betting in some fashion. Online sports betting is the most common form, as it is legal in 30 of the 39 states, and that just means the user can place bets from their phone or computer. 

Here are the states that have legalized sports betting in some fashion:

Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri (pending launch), Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia, Wyoming.

Can NASCAR drivers bet on sports?

It is strictly prohibited for drivers to bet on NASCAR. It doesn’t apply to just them however, as the rule also prohibits team owners, crew members, and racing officials from gambling on NASCAR. The minimum penalties for breaking the sports gambling rules include suspension, termination, and a fine of $100,000.

NASCAR drivers are allowed to gamble on non-NASCAR related sports. There is no rule in NASCAR's sports betting policy that bans drivers from gambling on the World Series, NBA Finals or Super Bowl, for example.  

Betting on the Daytona 500 

It is legal to bet on the Daytona 500, as long as you are in one of the states that has legalized sports gambling. Online sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, Fanatics, Bally's and Bet365 offer plenty of lines and prop options for each NASCAR race, including the Daytona 500. However, since the Daytona 500 is in Florida, there are a lot of questions regarding how to gamble on the race if you’re in the Sunshine State. If that’s the case, you have two options:

1. Place your Daytona 500 bet at one of the Seminole Tribe-controlled casinos

2. Bet on the race online using the Hard Rock Bet app or website

The legalization of sports betting in Florida had been an ugly battle for a few years. However, after a lot of obstacles, the Hard Rock app re-launched late in 2023 and is the only legalized online sportsbook in Florida. NASCAR has fully embraced Hard Rock, and Daytona International Speedway has even partnered with the sportsbook. Plus, Hard Rock has been named the “Official Sportsbook for The World Center of Racing and an Authorized Gaming Operator of NASCAR” (per Daytona International Speedway).

Legal Sports Betting Platforms and Sportsbooks

There are 29 states that offer online sports gambling. Since it varies by state, some states have several sportsbooks and some only have a few. Some of the most reliable sportsbooks include FanDuel, DraftKings, Caesars, BetMGM, Bally's, Fanatics, ESPN Bet, and Hard Rock Bet.

Learn Responsible Gaming before betting on the Daytona 500

The Daytona 500 takes place this weekend, but before you make any bets on the race, it’s important to remember the risks and dangers of sports betting. Gambling on sports can lead to financial and mental problems, as gambling addiction can become a serious issue. Therefore be sure to familiarize yourself with Responsible Gaming best practices before betting.

Therefore, Birches Health offers a full suite of educational resources aimed to help ensure that gambling remains a form of entertainment. 

Gambling Addiction Help and Treatment

If you, a friend or family member may be showing signs of potential gambling addiction, Birches Health is always available to help. Birches offers treatment online from the comfort of home, covered by insurance, with specially certified gambling addiction counselors nationwide. To connect with Birches Health, you can:

• Book an appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com

Sources:

DraftKings, NASCAR announce agreement, paving way for North Carolina operation

NASCAR's Austin Dillon to drive BetMGM car at Pennzoil 400

DraftKings Network makes its NASCAR debut as sponsor for 23XI Racing at Crayon 301

NASCAR unveils Sports Betting Policy

Daytona International Speedway Partners with Hard Rock Bet to Engage Fans on and off the Track