How to Bet on NASCAR Online: Everything You Need to Know
If you feel the need for speed – and the need to bet on that speed, then NASCAR betting might be just what you’re looking for. It makes those knuckles even whiter knowing that you might win big if the right car crosses the line first.
In this guide, we’ll look at how to bet on NASCAR, the different bet types, tips and strategies as well as all the different terms you need to know so that you can take pole position at the bookie.
How to Bet on NASCAR in 2024
NASCAR as with most racing events, seems simple. The fastest driver will be the one who finishes first past the post. But, in reality, there’s so much that can happen during a race – and a lot that can affect who ends up winning. This means that the bet types and possibilities are countless.
As soon as the season starts we can enjoy the action every weekend. You can place bets on as many or as few of the races as you like. It could be a bet on who wins the NASCAR race, whether Joey Logano will get the most points in the NASCAR playoffs or who will win the championship. The best NASCAR sports betting sites will have it all.
Betting on NASCAR – Step by Step
- Select a Reputable Sportsbook: Choose a trustworthy online platform with competitive odds.
- Create an Account: Sign up, providing accurate personal details.
- Verify Identity: Complete any necessary identity verification processes.
- Deposit Funds: Add money to your account using preferred methods like cards or e-wallets.
- Explore NASCAR Markets: Navigate to the NASCAR section and explore available betting markets.
- Understand Odds: Familiarize yourself with odds types and how they represent potential payouts.
- Select Bet Type: Choose from options like race winner or finishing position.
- Place Your Bet: Enter your wager amount and confirm your bet.
- Enjoy Responsibly: Stay updated on race developments and bet responsibly.
How to read NASCAR betting odds
Understanding NASCAR betting odds is crucial for making informed wagers. In NASCAR betting, odds represent the probability of a particular outcome and the potential profit associated with it. There are three common formats for odds: decimal, fractional, and moneyline. Decimal odds show the potential return for every unit wagered, fractional odds represent profit relative to the stake, and moneyline odds indicate the amount you need to wager or the potential profit on a $100 bet. For example, +300 means a $100 bet would yield a $300 profit. Familiarizing yourself with these formats will empower you to interpret odds, make strategic bets, and enhance your overall NASCAR betting experience.
NASCAR Betting Explained: NASCAR Betting Lines
Let’s have a look at the different types of NASCAR sports bets you will find at our top sportsbooks.
- The Outright Winner
- Head to Head
- Proposition Betting
- Fastest Lap Betting
- Podium Finisher Betting
Outright Winner: First Past the Post
The most popular bet type for NASCAR punters is the outright winner – the driver you believe will win the race. Unlike many sports, there are more than just two outcomes possible, which means that the odds for this are often more generous than other win bets. However, just the same as with other sports, if you bet on the favorites, the odds will be much lower than betting on an underdog.
Also, because there are several drivers, you could place a bet on more than one driver for a better chance of winning.
Head to Head: Driver Matchup Betting
This is a bet that does make it a ‘two-driver’ race. You simply bet on whether one driver will beat another driver.
For example, a sportsbook might choose numerous sets of drivers, and the bettor can choose which driver they think will cross the line before the other. This narrows down the field somewhat – and as long as you are confident that one driver has a much better chance of the other than winning, then it is easier to predict than the outright winner.
This is a great bet type for those new to NASCAR betting.
Proposition Betting: Betting on the Details
Proposition (Prop) betting in NASCAR is normally about betting on race details rather than the outcome. It might be a bet such as how many cautions there will be or betting on lead changes. Big races, such as the Daytona 500 could have numerous props bets – even including betting on crashes which, unfortunately, isn’t uncommon.
Fastest Lap Betting: The Fastest Single Lap
This is pretty self-explanatory. You are placing a bet on which driver you think will manage the fastest single lap of the whole race. If you are a bettor that knows a lot about car manufacturers and can spot a fast vehicle then this is a fun type of bet.
This is a simple wager that is both fun and quite exciting if you get it right.
Podium Finisher Betting: Top Three
Finally, we have betting on a podium finish. So, if you think a driver is good, but aren’t entirely confident that he will win, you can place a bet that he will at least have a podium finish – finishing 1st, 2nd or 3rd. This means that you win as long as they are in the top three.
NASCAR Betting Glossary
When betting on NASCAR, here are some of the main terms that you will need to be familiar with:
| NASCAR Betting Term | Definition |
| Bump Drafting | One car bumps the one in front so they both move quicker |
| Clean Air | When a car is first – they are in clean air because no one is ahead of them. |
| Drafting | When a car drives very close to the car in front it can go faster than normal as it eliminates wind resistance |
| Four Tire Stop | When the pit stop team changes all four tires |
| Sticker Tires | Brand new tires that have never been used |
| Banking | The angle of a pavement on a race track which can affect the car’s speed |
| Checkered Flag | The flag waved at the end of the race to signal that is it is finished |
| Green Flag | A flag that indicates racing conditions are good |
| Inside Line | The invisible line towards the centre of the racetrack where cars remain competitive |
| Red Flag | Indicates that the race track is dangerous due to either an accident or inclement weather. |
Best NASCAR Betting Tips: NASCAR Betting Strategy
When you know which NASCAR betting site you want to register with and understand the different bet types available, you need to have a NASCAR betting strategy.
Let’s take a look at our top NASCAR betting tips.
Follow the Betting Odds
Don’t make a bet on race day without having researched what has happened in the previous week. You can gather a lot of very useful information in the days that lead up to race day. Odds makers will set their odds early to attract punters – and then change those odds when they know more race information – so see how the odds change. Also, check practice lap times – as this could help you to predict the fastest lap time!
Understand Driver Behavior
Just as with other types of athletes, drivers have their own behaviors and tendencies. Some drivers are at their best in certain places or under certain circumstances. This could mean location, track type, weather or their track position at the start.
Team Decisions and Goals
Sometimes, a team and driver’s goal isn’t simply winning the race. There may be times when one team member may sacrifice a win for their teammate. Or they might need to win one stage in the race and sacrifice their car in the long haul.
Track Type and Other Factors
The track type can play a big role in the outcome of the race. Each track has its own characteristics – which can be a big factor in how the driver and car perform.
The groove line is where a car can go at full speed. On smaller race tracks that have one groove, passing is harder and it takes more effort to make a positional move. This also could mean more accidents. Groove lines can also play a role in the qualifying times – as cars will want to be at the front of the pack so as not to get stuck behind, struggling to move up the field.
Weather
Weather can make a massive difference if driving at breakneck speed. Rain, in particular, can have a huge effect. So, it’s vital to look at the weather forecast and understand how it coils affects the race. Weather can challenge the car and driver.
Manage Your Bankroll
Finally, make sure you set and budget and stick to it. Read our bankroll management guide here.
How to Bet on NASCAR and Win
When you’re ready to get started:
- Read our site reviews, compare bonuses and choose your sportsbook.
- Register an account.
- Make your first deposit
- Claim your welcome bonus.
- Choose your race, your bet and your odds and confirm!
