KEY POINT
- Bettors can place wagers on stage outcomes, finishing positions, and other in-race markets.
- Major sportsbooks such as FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM are offering promotional bonus bets to attract new users.
- Live betting adds dynamic options for fans as the race progresses, creating real time engagement with NASCAR’s most watched event.
DAYTONA BEACH, Florida — Fans still have the opportunity to live bet the 2026 Daytona 500 as the NASCAR Cup Series season opener unfolds Sunday at Daytona International Speedway. With Zane Smith winning Stage 1 and Bubba Wallace taking Stage 2, sportsbooks are offering live betting options on stage winners, finishing positions, and other prop markets.
The race marks the first major event of the 2026 NASCAR season and continues a tradition of high stakes wagering for the “Great American Race.” Legal US sportsbooks are promoting welcome bonuses and live betting incentives for new and existing users.
The Daytona 500 has long drawn significant betting attention, and 2026 is no exception. Live betting options allow users to wager on evolving scenarios, including stage winners, driver rankings, and race incidents. These markets provide additional engagement for fans and offer new revenue streams for sportsbooks.
The Daytona 500 debuted in 1959 and has become NASCAR’s flagship event. Historically, sportsbooks have leveraged major races with promotions such as matched bets, bonus bets, and “no risk” wagers to encourage new account sign ups.
Legal online sports betting in the US has expanded rapidly since the 2018 Supreme Court decision overturning the federal ban, allowing states to regulate gambling independently.
“Live betting on NASCAR allows fans to engage with the race beyond just watching it on TV,” said Dr. Thomas Reynolds, a sports economics professor at the University of Florida. “Promotional offers make this engagement more accessible, especially for first-time bettors.”
Jessica Moreno, director of research at the American Gaming Association, added, “These types of incentives can significantly increase wagering volume for marquee events like the Daytona 500.
It also highlights the importance of responsible gambling education, since live markets can encourage fast paced decision making.”
Current Sportsbook Promotions
| Sportsbook | Offer | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Bet $5, get $100 bonus bets | New users, bet must win | Bonus expires 7 days, stake not returned |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, get $300 bonus bets | New users, first bet must win | Bonus credited in $25 increments |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets | First bet loses | Bonus acts as safety net for initial wager |
| Bet365 | Bet $5, get $150 bonus | New users | Can apply to in-race bets |
| Caesars | First bet matched up to $250 | New users | Available on race or qualifying markets |
| Fanatics | Up to $1,000 FanCash | Multi-day offer, first bet loses | Can be used across multiple wagers |
“Live betting adds excitement,” said Connor Hill, a Florida based NASCAR fan who frequently uses FanDuel. “Being able to wager on stage winners while the race is happening makes it feel like you’re part of the action.”
Samantha Lee, sportsbook manager at DraftKings, explained, “Our Daytona 500 promotions are designed to encourage participation while educating new users about live betting mechanics.”
Mark Davies, a racing analyst with NASCAR Media Group, noted, “The volatility of live stages means there is more opportunity for smaller, strategic bets rather than just predicting the overall winner.”
Live betting on NASCAR is expected to grow as sportsbooks refine odds for dynamic markets. Season long futures and driver specific prop bets may adjust following the Daytona 500, impacting fan engagement and wagering patterns throughout the year. States with newly legalized sports betting may also see increased first time participation.
Legal US sportsbooks are providing fans the ability to live bet the 2026 Daytona 500 with a range of promotional incentives and dynamic markets.
These offers increase engagement during the race while highlighting the continued growth of live sports wagering in the United States.
