New Horizons for SailGP: Betting Meets International Sailing
For the first time, ticket holders at the SailGP event in the United States will have the opportunity to place wagers on the thrilling races directly on-site.
Last June, New Zealand showcased its sailing prowess at the SailGP event in New York Harbor, navigating challenging conditions that driver Peter Burling compared to a complicated game of Snakes and Ladders. Had sports betting been available then, New Zealand would likely have been one of the frontrunners, securing three victories in six previous rounds.
With the upcoming Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, fans can now engage in legal sports betting for the first time. The league has forged partnerships with several prominent sportsbooks, making New Zealand a strong contender at +300 odds according to DraftKings.
Andrew Thompson, SailGP’s managing director, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture, stating, “We aim to attract a fresh audience while enhancing the experience for existing fans through sports betting.”
Established in 2018 by Oracle co-CEO Larry Ellison and famed yachtsman Russell Coutts, the Rolex SailGP Championship features teams representing 12 nations. Against the iconic backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, sleek 50-foot catamarans will race at speeds nearing 100 kph—or 60 mph. For the 2024-25 season, the series will offer a staggering $12.8 million in prize money.
The New York event will host an array of betting markets via DraftKings, and a collaboration with Bet365 has been secured for international wagers. Furthermore, a strategic partnership with Abelson Sports aims to provide comprehensive and precise odds coverage for bettors.
This New York Grand Prix marks the sixth leg of the current season. Although SailGP previously provided betting odds in Los Angeles and San Francisco, these events were held in California, where sports betting remains illegal. Consequently, New York stands as the first venue allowing wagers on-site. Various betting options will be available, including predictions on race winners and head-to-head matchups.
In the previous year, both Australia and New Zealand frequently reached the event finals, but with a diverse set of contenders, the competition remains fierce. Eight nations made it to the finals last season, offering ample opportunities for astute bettors.
For now, DraftKings won’t offer in-race betting for the New York Grand Prix. According to a spokesperson, while SailGP collects an impressive 270,000 data points per second, integrating live betting comes with its own set of challenges. Unpredictable factors, like shifting winds, can drastically alter race dynamics, presenting obstacles even for the most skilled traders.
The cutting-edge F50 catamarans, equipped with hydrofoils, add another level of excitement. These hydrofoils lift the hull out of the water at high speeds, reducing drag and enhancing performance. Teams that master foiling in lighter winds often excel, but they must also manage the balance of control and power in gusty conditions.
In a recent race in San Francisco, Australia faced an unfortunate turn of events when the wingsail on their boat failed, leading to their withdrawal from the finals without any injuries aboard.
At the New York Grand Prix, Australia leads as the favorite with odds of +250, while the host nation, the US, is positioned as a longshot at +6000. Looking ahead, Australia remains the frontrunner in the 2025 SailGP championship futures market at +250, closely followed by Great Britain and New Zealand at +300 and +350, respectively, with Spain trailing as the defending champion at +400.
This weekend’s event promises to be not only a sailing spectacle but also a significant milestone in the intersection of sports and betting, engaging fans in an entirely new way.