SailGP inks betting partnership with DraftKings ahead of NYC event

For the first time in history, ticketed spectators in the US can participate in wagering on the international sailing league directly at the event venue.

In a remarkable display of skill and strategy, New Zealand emerged victorious at last June’s SailGP event in New York Harbor, overcoming challenging conditions likened to “navigating a game of Snakes and Ladders” by driver Peter Burling.

If sports wagering had been legalized during that event, New Zealand would likely have been among the betting favorites. Their form leading into the competition—three wins in the preceding six SailGP rounds—positioned them as a formidable force. Burling’s recent victory propelled the Kiwis to a total of five wins this season, showcasing their prowess by accounting for nearly half of the total victories during that period.

This weekend’s Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix marks a significant milestone, as fans will now have the opportunity to place legal bets on the race, a first for the SailGP series. Following the announcement of partnerships with major sportsbooks, including DraftKings, New Zealand enters the race as the +300 second choice.

“We are thrilled to create new avenues for both existing and potential SailGP fans to engage with our events through sports betting,” remarked Andrew Thompson, the managing director of SailGP.

Launched in 2018 by Oracle co-CEO Larry Ellison and renowned yachtsman Russell Coutts, the Rolex SailGP Championship features 12 teams from across four continents. Against the iconic backdrop of the Statue of Liberty, the competition showcases high-speed 50-foot catamarans capable of reaching speeds up to 100 kph (60 mph). The series has an impressive total prize purse of $12.8 million for the 2024-25 season.

For this weekend’s event, DraftKings will provide a variety of betting markets, while Bet365 has been secured as a partner for the international market. Additionally, the league’s strategic alliance with London-based Abelson Sports will enhance the accuracy and comprehensiveness of odds provided.

The New York Grand Prix will be the sixth stop on this season’s itinerary. Although betting odds were accessible in Los Angeles and San Francisco, California’s legal landscape did not permit wagering. Therefore, New York is set to make history as the first location where fans can bet directly on-site during the event.

SailGP has crafted diverse bet types, including race winners, head-to-head matchups, overall champions, and finalist predictions, featuring teams from three nations. In 2024, both Australia and New Zealand consistently qualified for the event finals, demonstrating the competitive nature of the league. Interestingly, last season saw eight countries reach the finals, offering valuable betting opportunities.

No In-Race Wagering at DraftKings – For Now

SailGP distinguishes itself as a data-driven enterprise, utilizing a proprietary algorithm that analyzes an impressive 270,000 data points captured each second. Although in-race wagering is a potential future offering, DraftKings currently does not support live betting for the New York Grand Prix, as confirmed by a company representative.

When in-race betting becomes available, it will introduce a series of challenges for trading teams. The sport is exceptionally unpredictable, with variables such as wind patterns heavily influencing race outcomes. Teams must adapt their strategies in real-time, often in high-pressure situations.

To satisfy Ellison’s appetite for speed, competitors race cutting-edge F50 catamarans equipped with hydrofoils. As these vessels gain speed, hydrofoils lift the hull above the water, significantly reducing drag. Mastery of foiling techniques is crucial, especially in light winds, while teams must exert greater force in heavier winds without sacrificing control.

During the seventh fleet race in San Francisco, Australia faced a setback when the wingsail on their boat collapsed, resulting in a main wing failure without causing injury to the crew. Unfortunately, this incident prevented Australia from advancing to the event finals.

For the upcoming New York Grand Prix, DraftKings has deemed Australia the favorite, with odds at +250, while the US team enters as the underdog at +6000. In future betting markets, Australia is also predicted to triumph in the 2025 SailGP championship, holding favored odds of +250, closely followed by Great Britain at +300 and New Zealand at +350. Spain, last season’s defending champion, stands next with odds of +400.