Indy 500 Betting Preview: Favorable Odds Throughout Lineup

Date IconLast Updated: 
Share On Your Network
Indy 500 Betting Preview: Favorable Odds Throughout Lineup

Racing fans worldwide are gearing up for the 102nd Indianapolis 500 in Indiana on 27/05. Long considered one of the most prestigious races in America, this year’s Indy 500 is poised to present another 200 laps of thrilling racing action. For those who care for a punt can add an extra layer of excitement to the racing in the Brickyard.

With the field of 33 world-class racers as talented as ever, it can be trickier for even a veteran prognosticator to pick a winner for the latest instalment of the Greatest Spectacle in Racing. For savvy punters, there are few edges you can use to your advantage when picking the next driver to drink the milk in victory lane.

Alexander Rossi Remains Favorite

The American IndyCar Series driver is a logical choice for any race he starts and bookmakers at top online betting sites agree. Bookies like Ladbrokes have Rossi with 15/2 odds in the days leading up to the race, a significant favorite in odds over his closest competitors.

As a rookie in 2016, the Andretti Autosport driver won the Indianapolis 500 after starting from the 11th position. His brilliant fuel management strategy allowed him to hold on for a thrilling win. Combined with his raw talent, the American’s clever mind keeps him as a perennial threat to take home another win.

Other Indy 500 Mainstays Remain in Contention

Though Rossi is the favorite, he has a deep field of talented competitors ready to keep him from a second win in the Brickyard. Betfair has reigning IndyCar Series Champion Josef Newgarden and three-time Indy 500 champion Helio Castroneves at 11/1 odds. The pair has combined for 33 wins and are both top candidates to add to their already impressive careers.

A little further back in the pecking order presents value at 12 to 1 on Ladbrokes. This is where you’ll find 2014 IndyCar Series champion Will Power and 2018 Indianapolis 500 winner Scott Dixon. Power is particularly interesting as he finished third in qualifying and will start on the first row.

Other big names present additional value. Ed Carpenter has a huge edge as the pole sitter and can be picked at some top sports betting sites for odds as favorable as 13 to 1. Tony Kanan, the 2013 Indy 500 winner, is also a worthy play at 14 to 1 odds.


Check Out: Caesars Sportsbook For Free Bets and Welcome Bonus.


Sleepers Could Also Come into Play

Spencer Pigot may not be a household name, but he has impressed in practices leading up to Sunday’s big race. The American finished sixth in qualifying, earning a spot on the second row to start the race. With changes to the cars’ aerodynamic package expected to curtail passing opportunities, this early start at the top of the field could provide a huge edge in what should be a wide open race.

Bookies had Pigot at 40/1 odds earlier in the days leading up to the race, the most favorable for punters of any driver positioned in the first two rows. Defending champion Takuma Soto also can’t be ignored.

Though handicappers doubt the Japanese IndyCar and Formula One veteran will replicate last year’s success, he obviously knows his way around the track - and victory lane. Top bookmakers had Soto around 33/1. While many questions remain to be settled on the track, this year’s field sets up for a riveting afternoon for spectators - and possibly a lucrative one for punters.

Recommended Betting Sites

Bell Icon
Affiliate Disclosure: At Gambling.com, we want to ensure that players are matched with the right casino and sportsbook offers for them. For this reason, some of the recommended site links are affiliate links. More
  1. Boosted Bets from ESPN Personalities such as Scott Van Pelt, Mike Greenberg, and Elle Duncan.
    Earn Rewards Through PENN Play Loyalty Program.
    Variety of Promotions including Overtime & Buzzer Beater Protection.
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    GAMBLING
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    8
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    ESPN BET, powered by Penn Interactive, looks to become one of the top sportsbooks in the United States. A clean interface, multiple payment methods, and a plethora of promotions is what sets ESPN BET from other brands.
  2. Fanatics Sportsbook Discover Simplifies Your Betting Experience
    FanCash Feature Delivers Increase Value With Unique Rewards
    Industry-Leading Search Functionality Available
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    No
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    9
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    Fanatics Sportsbook, in partnership with Genius Sports, launched BetVision, a unique live betting and streaming product for football games within their app.
  3. Only US Sportsbook with NFL Streaming
    Caesars Rewards Redeemable at Ceasars Locations
    Improved Odds for NY Mets & Chicago White Sox
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    GAMBLING1000
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    14
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    Backed by Caesars Entertainment, the sportsbook provides real-life loyalty rewards for bettors bringing the Las Vegas feel to you. Between Live Streaming, Generous Welcome Offer, & Daily Boosted Parlays, you'll find yourself very busy on the Caesars Sportsbook App.
  4. Brand Ambassadors such as Jamie Foxx
    MGM Rewards Redeemable at MGM Resorts
    Official Partner of NY Knicks, Rangers & Devils
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    GAMBLINGCOM
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    11
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    BetMGM is one of the biggest sportsbooks in the US. Brand offers a broad variety of sports betting markets. It's M rewards program is uniquely rewarding.
  5. Hard Rock Rewards Redeemable in Cafes & Casinos
    Mobile App Uses Accertify for Security
    Supports Payments with Nuvei
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    10
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    Hard Rock Sportsbook partners with American Express Accertify to protect its mobile users from fraud. The world renowned brand features a comprehensive selection of sports.
  6. Bet on Same Game Parlays to Receive Free Bets
    Backed by Rush Street Gaming, Founded in the 90s
    20% MLB Profit Every Tuesday
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    GAMBLING
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    9
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    BetRivers provides a wide range of free bet promotions for major league sports. Also offers the iRush Rewards program.
  7. Official Live Streaming of MLB Games
    Free-To-Play Prize Pool Games
    Official Partner of the NBA, Including NBABet Stream
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    19
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    No
    DraftKings is one of the biggest US sportsbook brands. Also provides Daily Fantasy Sports, an online casino, and NFT marketplace.
  8. 'Operator of the Year' 2021
    MLB Same Game Parlay $20 Refunds
    Official Partner of the NFL, NBA, NHL, & MLB
    Promo Code
    Tooltip The code required to claim this sign-up bonus (if any)
    not required
    Live Streaming
    Tooltip Is there live streaming of sporting events?
    Yes
    In-Play Betting
    Tooltip The number of sports with in-play betting available
    18
    Bet Builder
    Tooltip Can you create your own personalised bets?
    Yes
    Cash Out
    Tooltip Can you cash out of bets before an event has finished?
    Yes
    First Bet Offer
    Yes
    FanDuel is one of the biggest sportsbook operators in the US. Backed by Flutter Entertainment, one of the biggest gambling operators globally.