While the Super Bowl might be taking all the oxygen out of the sports betting industry right now, NASCAR is in the garage, revving its engines, and getting ready for its metaphorical Super Bowl — the Daytona 500, which takes place a week from Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
And as Daytona is the start of the NASCAR Cup Series, this might be a good time to check in on what's new, what's different, and what's coming in the world of NASCAR and sports betting.
Perhaps the biggest change this year is off the track, as Florida sports betting is now live via Hard Rock Bet, and North Carolina's online betting window is expected to open March 11. Florida and North Carolina are easily two of NASCAR's biggest hotbeds, and it should attract a massive increase in handle on the sport.
“It's huge,” said Stephen Young, who runs the racing content for sister site and is widely regarded as one of the top NASCAR betting analysts. “NASCAR is very happy about Florida and North Carolina. Daytona Speedway did a deal with Hard Rock, and a few companies have deals with other speedways. It's the two largest markets for them, and I think it will really open up some more in-race betting and some unique offerings from sportsbooks going forward.”