Indiana Gaming Commission Authorizes Bets On Academy Awards

Unable to load the audio player.
You could try direct download?

Original story from IPBS-RJC

Brandon Smith

Article origination IPBS-RJC

Hoosier casinos can now offer bets on the Academy Awards.
*Libreshot*

Hoosier casinos can now offer bets on the Academy Awards after getting approval from the Indiana Gaming Commission.

That was made possible in last year’s sports wagering law.

The sports gaming bill also allowed bets on “other events.” And gaming commission rules say those events must have a verifiable outcome that can’t be influenced by wagers and that is generated through an independent, reliable process.

Those definitions could apply to wagering on election results. House Public Policy Committee Chair Ben Smaltz (R-Auburn) doesn’t see a problem with that.

“I think it’s up to a willing bettor and a willing taker, if they want to bet on something," Smaltz says. "I think it’s very risky. I’m not sure it’s very prudent but that’s not my choice."

House Speaker Brian Bosma (R-Indianapolis) does have a problem with betting on elections.

“I certainly hope no one goes in the direction of elections," Bosma says. "We’re more concerned about people voting than placing a bet on the vote.”

So far, the only non-sporting event approved by the commission is the Oscars.

Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

Tags:Indiana Gaming Commission

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

Indianapolis City-County Councilor La Keisha Jackson is Indiana's newest state senator

A Democratic precinct caucus chose La Keisha Jackson Thursday to serve out the last few months of Jean Breaux's term after Breaux died last month.

Public Affairs / March 8, 2024

Legislative leaders say 2024 session more substantive than planned, but much more to come in 2025

Prior to 2024, Republican legislative leaders called for a return to a normal session, with an agenda focused on small tweaks to existing policies. Where it ended up was with bills far more substantive than many had imagined.

Public Affairs / February 20, 2024

Economic Enhancement District for Mile Square will not be repealed

Indianapolis’ planned economic enhancement district, or EED, will not be repealed. A bill put the funding tool at risk but an amendment saves the district - with some caveats.