The Drone Racing League (DRL) showcases elite FPV pilots racing standardized drones through futuristic courses at speeds of up to 90 mph. It’s a pilot-driven competition — unlike the team-oriented Drone Champions League (DCL). Betting markets for DRL are available in select U.S. states via licensed sportsbooks and appear intermittently in the UK.
What is the DRL
The Drone Racing League (DRL) is a professional First Person View (FPV) racing circuit where the world’s top drone pilots compete on complex, high-speed courses. Pilots control standardized league drones—most recently the Racer4, capable of speeds of up to 90 mph—with identical specs to ensure competition is based purely on skill, not equipment advantage.
The DRL SIM
Available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, the DRL Simulator allows players to practice on virtual versions of official courses. It doubles as a recruitment tool—standout SIM racers can earn a place in the league through the annual DRL SIM Tryouts.
The Races
DRL courses are known for their neon-lit gates, sharp turns, and vertical dives set in immersive, themed environments such as stadiums, landmarks, or entirely virtual worlds. Each event consists of multiple heats, with pilots earning points toward the finals. Pilots wear FPV goggles that stream live video from a camera mounted on their drone, giving them a cockpit-level perspective at extreme speed.
Season Format
While formats can change from season to season, most involve qualifying rounds, elimination heats, semifinals, and a championship event. Pilots accumulate points across the season, and the top scorers compete for the world title.
DRL vs. DCL — What’s the Difference?
DCL: Built around teams such as XBlades, APEX Racing, Raiden Racing, Quad Force One, and China Dragons. Only list these when covering DCL content, not DRL.
DRL: Focuses on individual pilots. Event formats vary by season, and scoring is based on race performance.
Where to Bet on DRL in the US?
You can now bet on the Drone Racing League at DraftKings sportsbook in five US states: Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Tennessee, and West Virginia. Availability changes with regulations, so check current offerings in your state before publishing fixed lists.
All five states now have legal sports betting for over-21s. You can download an app or register online to place bets on DRL races or season winners. You can even claim a welcome bonus when you open your account and make a first deposit.
Where to Bet on DRL in the UK?
If you are in the UK you can bet on drone racing at UK bookies offering odds on drone racing teams. Markets for DRL appear occasionally with some bookmakers, while others consistently offer drone racing odds under their global licenses. Availability may vary, so verify before event time.