Can't wait for the new season? Try virtual F1 betting

The prospect of the 2023 season ahead has F1 fans drooling. Will Verstappen’s dominance be interrupted by a resurgent Mercedes team?

If so, could internal rivalry between Hamilton and Russell overshadow the fight with the defending champion? What about Ferrari with a new boss? To what extent will the arrival of new wonderkid Oscar Piastri shake up the grid?

If you’re fond of a wager, chances are you’ve already put a few dollars down on your pick for the 2023 title, and maybe for the opening salvo in Bahrain, too. But with several weeks still to go before “lights out, away we go,” you might be tempted to try out some of your predictions on a virtual F1 betting game.

What is virtual F1 (and what isn’t it)?

Virtual F1 is essentially a simulated F1 race or season that is computer controlled. Races are decided by a random number generator that is programmed with some basic probabilities such that the usual suspects will generally lead the pack, but just like the real thing, there is always scope for the unexpected to happen.

It is essentially a casino game, and despite the appearance, it has nothing to do with F1 eSport, which confusingly is also referred to as virtual grand prix racing in some circles, such as was contested during lockdown in 2020 to keep drivers sharp and fans engaged.

The difference is that in those races, human drivers were controlling the virtual cars. In a virtual F1 casino game, there is no human influence. It’s a little like the difference between watching two people play one another at FIFA and watching a game play out in demo mode.

Where to play the virtual F1 betting casino game

Virtual sport is one of the latest casino trends, both in land based casinos and in cyberspace. If you check this website, you will see an extensive list of trustworthy online casinos with a good selection of games. Soccer, horse racing and tennis are the most popular virtual sports, but you can also find virtual F1 at several online casinos.

How F1 betting works

Virtual F1 is the perfect way to get your F1 betting fix any time, day or night. There’s a race every three to four minutes. It’s simply a case of backing a winner and then watching the computer-generated highlights. Winning bets are paid out, and the clock counts down to the next race.

Race results are decided by a computer algorithm, based around a random number generator. It’s conceptually similar to a slot game, and works according to some basic probabilities. So for example, it’s not impossible that a Williams or an Alfa will win a race, but it is programmed as a very low probability – a little like hitting the jackpot on a slot.

It means there’s little in the way of strategy, beyond betting according to your risk appetite. None of the nuances of real F1 betting are there, such as driver attitudes or feelings about specific track. Still, virtual F1 is undoubtedly a fun way to while away some hours before the real thing gets underway in March.