NASCAR has a new official betting partner.

The racing giant is teaming up with MGM’s online betting app to help expand the sport’s reach.

NASCAR sees betting as a big part of its future, so deals like this fall in line with that plan.

Billionaire Barry Diller recently bought a 12% stake in MGM to focus on the online side of the company. Working with NASCAR will help expand the company’s online sportsbook and grow its presence.

NASCAR doubles down on gambling

Even though it’s one of the most popular sports in the country, NASCAR doesn’t attract a ton of gambling interest for its size.

When it comes to racing, Indiana might be best known for IndyCar, but there’s still a ton of NASCAR fans throughout the state.

However, Indiana doesn’t even give racing its own category in the state’s monthly revenue reports. Its numbers are tossed in a mixed bag with everything from table tennis to the NHL.

For a sport that attracts millions of viewers, NASCAR could be doing better in terms of betting volume.

Deals with sportsbooks like BetMGM could help move the needle.

From here on out, BetMGM will be promoting races with exclusive promotions. The sportsbook is also planning on adding some new types of bets to the board.

Racing fans might be able to bet on top finishers and stage winners soon. BetMGM is also exploring taking wagers on the over/under of the winning car’s number.

Additionally, under the new deal between the two companies, BetMGM will start offering live betting on NASCAR races starting in 2021.

Since positions change over the course of a race, live betting could be an exciting way to help NASCAR grow.

Scott Warfield, NASCAR’s managing director of gaming, says live betting will be a big focus for the company going forward.

“Partnering with a best-in-class operator like BetMGM positions NASCAR to build on the positive energy and momentum we’re seeing around gaming and in particular the live in-race experience. We’re excited to have such an iconic brand on board to expand our offerings and deepen our engagement with the most passionate fans in sports.”

Go Bowling 235 odds and promos

BetMGM has a special promo out for this Sunday’s Go Bowling 235 to celebrate its new partnership with NASCAR.

If you place a bet of $10 or more on Go Bowling, BetMGM will give you a free $10 bet to use on any NASCAR race.

Now that the two are partners, there will be a lot more promotions coming down the pipeline in the future.

Go Bowling 235 will be the debut of the Daytona Road Course at Daytona International Speedway.

Since it’s the fourth-to-last race before the Cup Series field gets cut down to its 16 playoff racers, there’s a lot at stake for every participant.

Chase Elliott and Martin Truex Jr. have the best odds heading into the race, according to the BetMGM sportsbook. Here’s a look at the drivers with the top odds:

• Chase Elliott: +400
• Martin Truex Jr.: +400
• Kevin Harvick: +700
• Kyle Busch: +800
• Denny Hamlin: +800
• Ryan Blaney: +800

Harvick won the last Cup Series race on Aug. 9, the Consumers Energy 400 at Michigan International Speedway.

With the new partnership between NASCAR and BetMGM, racing fans could have a new favorite online sportsbook.

No other online book has invested this much into racing, so with new promos and betting options coming soon, BetMGM might have itself a lasting hold on the NASCAR betting market.