IndyCar seems to have solved a lingering problem

While IndyCar has been largely neglected on online sportsbooks, a recent update gives a welcome indication that this is changing.

Typically, the only IndyCar championship odds you’ll find after the season begins don’t show up until very late in the year, and when they do, they can only be found at select sportsbooks.

For individual IndyCar races, it’s tough to find odds until the Friday practice begins, at which point they will probably be removed shortly thereafter because of how much fans — namely potential bettors — can learn throughout practice and qualifying.

All things considered, sportsbooks’ commitment to IndyCar is nowhere near on the level of their commitment to other sports, and even other motorsports such as NASCAR and Formula 1.

But the 2023 season has seen somewhat of a change in narrative surrounding IndyCar betting.

Odds are showing up earlier and at more sportsbooks for individual race weekends. Not only are they actually being offered throughout each weekend, but they are receiving more updates.

Still, there had been no sign of championship odds until between the seventh and eighth races of the season.

DraftKings Sportsbook, which is currently offering $150 to new customers who make any $5 bet, was one of very few sportsbooks which finally posted updated championship odds.

But there were questions as to whether or not this would be the last time new odds were posted for the next several months.

Surprisingly, the answer was no. DraftKings listed updated IndyCar championship odds almost immediately after the recent Sonsio Grand Prix at Road America presented by AMR, and they have remained up since.

Here are the current top five favorites to win the championship.

• Alex Palou, Chip Ganassi Racing: -300
• Marcus Ericsson, Chip Ganassi Racing: +550
• Josef Newgarden, Team Penske: +550
• Pato O’Ward, Arrow McLaren: +1000
• Scott Dixon, Chip Ganassi Racing: +1200

Sign up here to claim your $150 and view the full championship odds!

The world’s most competitive racing series finally getting attention in the growing world of sports betting amid its own popularity surge is a welcome sign.

Considering some of the lesser-known sports and leagues that are available for wagering on some of these betting apps, IndyCar finally being included and given regular updates is significant.

Is it going to generate millions of new fans overnight? Absolutely not. But it certainly has the potential to increase awareness and interest in an already growing sport.

Let’s hope IndyCar championship updates after every race become expected, not just at DraftKings but at every other major sportsbook out there as well.

The Honda Indy 200 at Mid-Ohio presented by the all new 2023 Civic Type R is the next race on the 2023 IndyCar schedule, and it is scheduled to be broadcast live on USA Network from Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course beginning at 1:30 p.m. ET on Sunday, July 2. Be sure to take advantage of FuboTV’s free trial offer now and don’t miss it!