In September 2020 NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) announced their partnership with the American Gaming Association (AGA) to teach NASCAR fans about responsible sports betting through an AGA public service campaign.
As the campaign’s first professional sports league partner NASCAR promised to develop “co-branded content that encourages new and seasoned sports bettors to ‘Take a Pit Stop’ and bet responsibly.”
Prior to this announcement NASCAR had entered several partnerships with key players in the gambling space. Sportradar were the first signed-on in the role of integrity partners. Then there was BetGenius as data providers, BetMGM and Penn National Gaming as approved operators. IMG Arena then followed as their international live streaming partner.
The most noteworthy of all moves was NASCAR itself launching a dedicated ‘bet center’ which works with The Action Network and the VSiN (Vegas Stats & Information Network) who provide all the live Vegas odds and betting lines for fans to bet on race winners and events.
Then late last year WynnBet also jumped into bed with NASCAR in a deal which allows them access to live NASCAR data feeds which means the sportsbook can now post live in-race odds that constantly change as races unfold.
More markets, more lounges, betting better
NASCAR is not alone in embracing gambling and selling itself to bettors, Formula 1 has done the same. But that can be considered more of a European venture whereas NASCAR is a 100 percent American tradition. And with legalised gambling opening up all across the States, there is every chance NASCAR will now do betting much better.
We are not just talking more bet options – there are new angles such drivers to finish in the top four, top five and top 10, plus the top finisher among groups of six, top Chevy driver, top Ford driver and even the last digit of the winning car – but increasingly popular ‘bet lounges’.
Indeed WynnBET lounges are to be built for two host tracks in Virginia, Martinsville Speedway and Richmond Raceway which means race fans will benefit from an enhanced experience. Themed sportsbook lounges are growing in popularity across the entire sports betting landscape, as most states soften up on their gambling laws.
Current regulations do not allow actual sportsbooks but to recreate a similar experience sponsoring sportsbooks are constructing lounges with odds-boards, large screens and bars. From there you can bet on your mobile device on one of Virginia state’s authorised betting apps. WynnBET, and BetMGM are amongst those permitted to take your bets.
Where will all this end?
Depending on what state you live in, there is a very real prospect of live in-play odds being broadcast on NBC and Fox Sports.
Likewise should you bet on NASCAR via an authorised sportsbook it is likely you will soon be able to watch the action live and free of charge as reward for your business.