LAS VEGAS — The excitement surrounding Saturday night’s Las Vegas Grand Prix is markedly different from last year, when Max Verstappen appeared to be dominating the Formula 1 championship. A year ago, much of the focus was on the disruptions before the race, but this time, there’s more intrigue regarding the championship race despite Verstappen being in a strong position for his fourth consecutive title. The air of uncertainty has sparked increased betting interest among fans and gamblers alike.
Craig Mucklow, vice president of trading at Caesars, noted that this year’s competition features a three-car challenge, adding Lando Norris to the mix alongside Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. This enhances the competitive dynamic compared to last year, when it seemed primarily focused on just Verstappen and Leclerc.
In a surprising twist, Verstappen is not the favorite to win at BetMGM Sportsbook for the Las Vegas race. He stands at +450, trailing behind Leclerc at +250 and Norris at +275. Interestingly, despite this placement, Verstappen remains a popular choice among bettors; he has received 20.6% of the bets and 33.7% of the total amount wagered at BetMGM. However, professional bettors are looking at Leclerc and Norris, causing Verstappen’s odds to increase from an opening of +200 to +450. Leclerc’s odds have shifted downward from +350.
The notable public interest in Verstappen means that should he secure a victory, it could prove to be costly for the sportsbook. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, who clocked the fastest lap during Thursday’s practice sessions, has been established at +700. Should Hamilton triumph on Saturday night, it would provide a favorable result for BetMGM. While professional bets have reduced his odds from +2800, public betting hasn’t reflected this trend.
Kurt Fritsch, a BetMGM sports trader, mentioned that the sportsbook would be hoping for a Hamilton win, as it would be a positive outcome for the Las Vegas venue. Jay Kornegay, vice president of operations at Westgate Las Vegas, shared his expectations that betting activity will ramp up in the days leading to the race. Kornegay commented on the sluggish pace of wagers so far but predicted a surge, similar to last year when 80% of the total betting came in on race day. Due to the more competitive nature of this year’s event, he also anticipates a larger betting handle than in the previous year.
Verstappen, who celebrated his victory in last year’s inaugural race in Las Vegas with a rendition of “Viva Las Vegas,” can clinch the championship title on Saturday if he wins again. However, Norris still has a faint chance to contend for his first championship, needing to outscore Verstappen by three points or more. As the season enters its final three races, Verstappen holds a substantial 62-point lead, with a total of 86 points still up for grabs.
