Formula 1 is a motorsport with millions of fans and viewers. Although it is exciting on its own, some of the spectators prefer to up the stakes and place bets. However, betting on Formula 1 can be more than just adding your skin to the game. It can be a hobby that allows you to excel and even become a professional. Here’s everything you need to know about Formula 1 gambling.
Picking a trusted operator
Any experienced gambler will tell you that picking a trusted operator is essential for fair game. Anyone who browses user forums for a few minutes will find that many gambling sites pull a fast one on them. So, make sure you make an account on verified high-paying casinos that are fully vetted and regulated. If you use trusted reviewers like Wagering Advisors it will be easy to find multiple online casinos in the UK that fit this category.
Many of these casinos also have a sportsbook section where you can bet on Formula 1. Given their promos and VIP program these sites can be a great fit for you to explore this hobby.
Common betting markets
Sportsbooks have lots of options for those who wish to wager on this high-speed motorsport. Still, the majority of bettors opt for one of the five markets:
- Race winner – You simply put money on the driver you believe will win the race.
- Pole Position – A fun option where you pick which drivers will qualify for the leading position on the starting grid.
- Podium Finish – One of the most popular options among the punters. Here you don’t need to guess who will win, but rather who will be in the top 3.
- Head-to-Head Betting – Strategic bettors love to use this option. They get to pick two drivers and bet on one they believe will perform better.
- Prop betting – These are different types of wagers that don’t have to do with the outright winner of the race. It depends on the bookmaker what type of these wagers are available.
Commonly used strategies
The majority of gamblers simply rely on odds and their knowledge of drivers to determine who they should support. Fans who are more experienced check for additional details. They look up the weather conditions and go over the match history to see how certain drivers have performed in those conditions. These can be details that swing the race in someone else’s favor. Finally, putting money on the race winner isn’t the wisest course of action. Instead, they choose a favorite driver and make a podium bet.
Betting experts on the other hand know how the odds work, and they know it’s possible to place win-win bets. Although bookmakers can often have similar odds for the outright winner, the same cannot be said for different markets. In other words, it’s possible to make head-to-head bets on two different sites, and back both drivers. If the difference in odds is high enough you can come on top regardless of the outcome.
Finally, it’s possible to gamble risk-free if you use bonuses or VIP perks. Once again, it boils down to picking the right operator, or in this case, a site that gives bonuses for sports betting.
Promotions do have wagering requirements, so it’s not that easy to turn winnings into withdrawable cash, but if you are patient and read through the terms, you can pick those promos that are worth taking. Ideally, you find no-wager promo that limits how much you can win, but doesn’t come with any other strings attached.
Live betting
Whenever experts feel the races are too unpredictable, they don’t rush their decisions. Instead, they take advantage of live betting and wait for things to develop before making their choice. Yes, the odds might get lower in that case, but a win is a win at the end of the day. What’s more, operators might have jackpot prizes simply for participating in live bets, so even if you make those small wagers that are certain to win, you can potentially hit the jackpot at the end of the race.
Conclusion
As you can see, gambling on F1 can make the viewing experience more exciting, but it doesn’t have to stop there. Once you start looking into the different options and going over the benefits each operator has to offer, you see that gambling can be an exciting hobby on its own. Of course, this isn’t an alternative revenue source, and there is no such thing as guaranteed bets, so manage your bankroll carefully.