The Las Vegas Grand Prix proved to be a record-breaking event for sportsbooks, despite the initial controversy and legal issues surrounding it. Caesars Sportsbooks set a new record for the total betting handle of any motorsports event, while other entities such as BetMGM, Station Casinos, Westgate SuperBook, and Red Rock Resort also reported impressive handles for the F1 race.
While the success of the Grand Prix is undeniable, the late-night start time of the race remains a subject of debate. Although it was chosen to minimize disruption to local citizens who had endured months of construction noise, efforts are being made to ensure an earlier start time for future races. The 10 p.m. local start time, which was 1 a.m. on the East Coast, has prompted pushback from drivers and team executives who are traveling from Europe and have urged for an earlier start time to aid in their time-zone acclimation.
As we wait for the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s monthly report for November to gain more insight into the impact of the race, it’s clear that the Las Vegas Grand Prix has left a lasting impression on both sportsbooks and racing enthusiasts alike.