Purdue Faculty, Students Banned From Sports Wagering

Amber Cripps

The Purdue University Board of Trustees has adopted a new policy prohibiting students and staff from wagering on Purdue sports teams.

The decision comes following the legalization of sports gambling in Indiana on Sept. 1. Purdue President Mitch Daniels says athletes could have been influenced if their peers or teachers were placing bets on them.

“If people around them or their classmates were betting for or against them or their team that it might make them feel very apprehensive, maybe intimidated,” Daniels says.

Purdue President Mitch Daniels says the board of trustees hopes this adopted policy will be perceived as an appeal to not place bets on Purdue’s own athletes and teams.

“We just don’t think that particular kind of behavior would be appropriate or would fit with the values or identity we associate with Purdue,” Daniels says.

He says the board could amend the rule in the future.

It’s unclear how the school will police those connected to the institution who still choose to wager on Purdue teams.

Dean of Students Katie Sermersheim has been asked to recommend what sanctions could apply to students and staff who don’t comply with the new policy, which Daniels says should be considered effective immediately.