SailGP is working with gaming companies DraftKings in the United States and Bet365 internationally to let fans place bets on races, starting at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix on June 7 and 8.

“It’s a sport that’s naturally built for sports betting and gaming onsite in person at the events,” said SailGP chief revenue officer Ben Johnson. “It’s communal; it’s high speed; there are lots of different winners, event-to-event.”

The move is part of a broader strategy to increase engagement and attract new fans to the sailing league, which was co-founded by tech billionaire Larry Ellison and champion yachtsman Russell Coutts in 2018.

SailGP Managing Director Andrew Thompson is eager to engage new SailGP fans while giving existing fans new opportunities to enjoy the racing. “SailGP is a sport driven by data, allowing sportsbooks to create odds on the spot at our events across the global championship, and enhance viewing and spectating experience through live betting in a responsible manner.”

SailGP has a strategic integration with Abelson Sports, ensuring comprehensive and accurate odds coverage, and has developed an in-house, self-service odds portal, empowering betting operators with real-time access and control.