Betting on the Indy 500
Arguably the most famous auto racing event, the Indianapolis 500 (or Indy 500) is a thrill for any racing fan. The roar of the motors, cars flying by at over 200 miles per hour, and even the occasional fender bender make many fans (dare we say it?) race with excitement (we did…). So what could possibly make it better? How about winning a couple of crisp $100 bills as you bet on the Indy 500? Wouldn’t big winnings after 500 miles of excitement make one of auto racing’s holidays that much more special? Of course it would.
Keep in mind that just because betting happens doesn’t mean it’s legal in your area. If it’s not illegal, it’s ignored, or it’s so ill defined that nobody seems to be able to tell you if you can bet on the Indy 500 or not. For those, a visit to their favorite online site or bookie satisfies their need for Indy 500 betting. But let’s talk legal betting, shall we? Like in Vegas.
Go to any Sports Book, and you will be able to bet on the Indy 500. Even if it’s June, and the race was already run for the year, you can bet on next year’s.
Odds on Indy 500 bets are done two ways. You have your standard money-line bets (Michael Andretti +$240, etc), but increasingly, we’re seeing horse-racing type fractional odds. A strong favorite to win like Scott Dixon would have 3 to 1 odds. Meaning a winning $100 bet gives you $300. Bet on a long slot like Ernesto Viso and that 100 to 1 shot just might give you enough winnings to buy your very own car.
Most bets are on which driver will win the overall race. However why limit yourself to just one Indy 500 bet? Do you think you can pick two drivers and decide who’ll have the better head to head results? That’s an allowed bet in most venues. Are you unsure if Danica Patrick can win but you’re pretty sure she’ll come in between third and sixth place? Someone will take that bet. If you’re feeling cynical, bet against someone even completing the Indy 500.
That’s a valid bet. Do you think a driver doesn’t have the skills yet but they could win the Indy 500 within 5 years? That’s another valid bet. The betting options in the Indy 500 are as numerous as the tires used (and they go through a LOT of tires).
And keep in mind that Indy 500 bets are good (ahem) bets for people who like to do their research. You aren’t just betting on someone winning the Indy 500. You’re betting the pit team is efficient. You’re betting the car won’t have equipment failures. You’re betting the driver will continue to do well at this track. Does the famous brickyard match previous races where your driver did well? Research can really pay off here, especially if you are betting racing teams or car types.
Gentlemen (and ladies), start your betting.
