SailGP collaborates with DraftKings on betting menu for NYC event

For the first time, ticketed US spectators will have the opportunity to wager on the International Sailing League directly at the venue.

New Zealand’s victory at last June’s SailGP event in New York Harbor exemplified their exceptional performance, as driver Peter Burling likened the tricky conditions to a game of Snakes and Ladders. The Kiwis had emerged as formidable contenders with three victories in the previous six SailGP rounds, marking them as fan favorites. Their success gave them five wins for the season, showcasing their dominance in the league.

As the international sailing competition returns for this weekend’s Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix, fans will now have the chance to engage in legal sports betting for the first time. In a pivotal announcement earlier this week, SailGP revealed partnerships with several leading sportsbooks, positioning New Zealand as the +300 second choice at DraftKings.

“We are thrilled to offer new ways to attract and engage SailGP fans by entering the sports betting marketplace, providing existing fans with fresh opportunities to enjoy the racing,” stated Andrew Thompson, SailGP’s Managing Director.

Founded in 2018 by Oracle co-CEO Larry Ellison and World Champion yachtsman Russell Coutts, the Rolex SailGP Championship features teams representing 12 nations across four continents. With the iconic Statue of Liberty as a backdrop, a fleet of 50-foot catamarans will race at speeds nearing 100 kph (60 mph). The 2024-25 season boasts an impressive total prize pool of $12.8 million.

This weekend, a diverse array of betting markets will be accessible in the US via DraftKings. For international audiences, SailGP has also established a partnership with Bet365.

Moreover, the league has collaborated with Abelson Sports, a London-based provider of odds and data solutions, to ensure comprehensive and accurate odds coverage, enhancing the betting experience for users.

The New York Grand Prix marks the sixth stop of this season’s schedule. Although SailGP offered betting odds at prior events in Los Angeles and San Francisco, both occurred in California, where sports betting remains illegal. Consequently, New York will be the inaugural location for on-site betting.

SailGP has developed various betting types, including wagers on race winners, head-to-head matchups, event champions, and finalists, representing teams from three nations. Last season, both Australia and New Zealand qualified for event finals with impressive frequency, while eight distinct countries reached finals at different events, adding value for bettors.

No In-Race Wagering at DraftKings—For Now

As a data-rich sports entity, SailGP utilizes a proprietary algorithm that processes 270,000 data points each second. While in-race wagering could be a future offering, DraftKings is currently not providing live betting for the New York Grand Prix, according to a company spokesperson.

Introducing in-race betting will pose a myriad of challenges for trading teams, as the sport is fraught with unpredictability. Rapid shifts in wind patterns necessitate immediate adjustments in race strategies, often during high-pressure moments.

To satiate Ellison’s passion for speed, teams race cutting-edge F50 catamarans equipped with hydrofoils beneath the hull. As a catamaran accelerates, the hydrofoils lift the hull out of the water, significantly minimizing drag. Mastering foiling techniques in lighter winds considerably enhances a team’s chances of success; conversely, high winds require teams to exert more effort while maintaining control over the catamaran.

Just moments before the seventh fleet race in San Francisco, Australia faced a catastrophic event when their wingsail collapsed. Although no injuries were reported onboard, the failure hampered Australia’s ability to advance to the event finals.

For this weekend’s New York Grand Prix, DraftKings has positioned Australia as the favorite with odds of +250, while the US enters as a long shot at +6000. In the futures market, Australia also leads as the favorite to clinch the season-long 2025 SailGP championship at +250, closely followed by Great Britain at +300 and New Zealand at +350. Spain, the defending champion, is the fourth choice at +400.