On Wednesday, the Indiana Gaming Commission added professional bull riding to its expansive list of approved events for wagering.
Professional Bull Riding Inc., which has an event June 5 at the South Point Arena in Las Vegas, is the only bull riding organization approved for legal wagering.
Professional Bull Riders came to a halt in March and resumed action in late April, but this is the first time Indiana online/mobile sportsbooks will be able to offer bets on its competition.
PBR told Hoosier State Bets that it was pleased with the development in Indiana.
“As PBR continues to grow and enter the mainstream, we are encouraged that Indiana has joined Nevada, New Jersey and Iowa in approving PBR for legal wagering,” said Kosha Irby, chief marketing officer, PBR. “Well-regulated betting has increased fan engagement and grown audiences for other pro sports, and we believe the opportunity will similarly benefit our sport.”
The addition of bull riding came in the wake of other live sports returning on U.S. soil a handful of weeks ago. Of course, the industry is more concerned with decisions from the NBA and MLB about their respective plans for the remainder of 2020.
It was reported Wednesday afternoon that the NBA has finalized a plan to return in late July.
So the NBA's inviting 22 teams to Orlando: 13 Western Conference, 9 Eastern Conference. Eight-regular season games per team. Play-in for the 8th seeds. July 31-October 12. Vote tomorrow to ratify.
The NBA's back.— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 3, 2020
In April, the Indiana sports betting industry handled about $26 million in bets, about 80% less than what it took in February. There was only about $1.5 million in revenue divided among the books.
The IGC has tried to shore up the menu for sportsbooks, meanwhile, by allowing wagering on non-traditional sports and leagues such as table tennis and Korean baseball.
