Last year, the United States Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act enabling the states to decide whether or not legalized sports betting would be positive for their economies. Eight states have laws in place legalizing sports betting and each has shown a high level of revenue from legalizing the industry.
Indiana senators Mark Messmer (R) and Jon Ford (R) recently introduced Senate Bill No. 552 authorizing sports wagering at riverboats, racinos, a Vigo County casino, and satellite facilities. The Indiana State Senate passed the bill by a 38-11 margin and its fate now lies in the hands of the Indiana House of Representatives.
The IU Indianapolis Sports Innovation Institute wanted to know how central Indiana residents felt about the potential legalization of sports betting. We surveyed 840 central Indiana residents gauging their views on the issue sports betting and if Indiana should enact legislation to legalize sports betting.
We found that 46 percent of respondents believe Indiana should legalize sports betting with just over half believing the states should govern sports betting. However, 44 percent of respondents believe that legalized sports gambling will create evils (cheating or fixing of games) or a compulsive gambling problem in the United States.
Thirty-two percent of respondents have placed a wager on a sporting event and 19 percent would be more likely to bet on a sporting event if sports betting was legal in Indiana.
While only eight percent have ever wagered money on a daily fantasy website, 29 percent would be more likely to bet on sports if they were able to through a smart phone.
With the April 15 deadline looming for the Indiana House of Representatives to vote, central Indiana residents show a belief that sports betting should be legalized, but are concerned about the effect it would have on the games.
