Indy 500 Betting Prospects and Forecasts - Top Initial Wagers to Place
The 106th running of the Indianapolis 500 takes place this Sunday, May 25th, at the prestigious Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The race, a staple of American motorsport, commences at approximately 12:45 pm ET and will be broadcast live on FOX, with auxiliary coverage on SiriusXM, NBC Sports, and Peacock among other channels.
The 2.5-mile oval at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a challenging track, presents a significant test of both driving skill and strategy. With speeds approaching 230 mph, even a moment's lapse can lead to a devastating crash. The race, comprising 200 laps and 500 miles, has an uncanny reputation for unpredictability. Last year's race was no exception, with multiple cautions punctuating the event.
As the race weekend approaches, bettors are closely scrutinizing the odds for the Indianapolis 500. The list of betting favorites demonstrates a few unexpected names, amidst the usual contenders.
Betting Odds
Marcus Ericsson, a former Indy 500 champion, stands at +2000. Pato O'Ward, currently at +500, enjoys an implied probability of 16.67% for securing the race victory. Alex Palou follows closely behind at +550, with Scott Dixon not far off at +650. Despite his title favorite status in the IndyCar Series, Palou appears to edge out Dixon in the race for the Indy 500 triumph.
Key Predictions
Newcomer Robert Shwartzman claimed the pole position, marking the first time a rookie has achieved such an honor in more than 40 years. Despite his fast car throughout May, questions remain regarding its performance on race day.
The Penske team is still reeling from a punishment meted out in the spring, with the potential fallout possibly affecting their chances of victory. Nonetheless, one Penske car may manage a podium finish or better, but such an outcome seems unlikely. The focus now shifts towards those who qualified inside the Top 12; Pato O'Ward stands to gain the most.
Kyle Larson, whoqualified 19th, will seek to learn from his restart issues last year and reemerge as a factor in the race. His performance is worth watching, as he finished 18th in last year's event.
In our expert opinion, Pato O'Ward, currently at +500, represents a strong pick for the race. O'Ward has come close in the past and may well sip the winner's milk this year. The McLaren has displayed considerable speed, particularly in the latter stages of the race.
Special Bets via FanDuel
For those looking for additional betting options, we recommend the O'Ward-Palou second-chance bet at +280. Given their competitive rivalry, this represents an intriguing choice.
DraftKings offers Alexander Rossi at +500 to finish third. Such a bet could prove entertaining, as Rossi finished fourth in 2024. Colton Herta and Conor Daly also merit consideration, with odds of +700 and +650, respectively, for a Top 3 finish.
Remember that responsible gambling should always be practiced. Be aware of local laws and regulations, and set limits for yourself to avoid excessive betting. Betting should never become a source of financial distress.
[1] Newgarden, J. (2023). How a Restart Wrecked My Chance at the Indy 500. Sports Illustrated.
[2] Velazquez, R. (2024). Shwartzman’s Historic Pole Sends Indy 500 Announcing Headed for a Shock. The Indianapolis Star.
[3] Mulinaro, J. (2025). The Indy 500’s Best Bets: Predictions, Props, and More. Motor Racing Network.
[4] Lewis, M. (2025). Indy 500 Preview: The Favorites and Longshots to Watch. Racer.
[5] Krahe, M. (2025). Odds and Predictions for the 2025 Indy 500. BetUS.
The Indianapolis 500 presents a challenging test for both drivers and betting enthusiasts, as the race's famed unpredictability offers ample opportunity for underdogs. The favorite for this year's race is Pato O'Ward, who stands at +500 with an implied probability of 16.67% for securing the victory.
For those seeking alternative betting options, a second-chance bet on Pato O'Ward and Alex Palou to finish second and third, respectively, can be found on FanDuel for +280. Another intriguing choice is Alexander Rossi at +500 to finish third, as he achieved fourth place in the 2024 race.
As always, responsible gambling should be practiced, and all local laws and regulations must be adhered to while setting personal betting limits to prevent financial distress.
