Will You Be Able To Bet On The Oscars In Michigan?

Editor’s note: The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved Academy Awards betting on April 12, and DraftKings has posted odds. Read more about the approval and the new markets here. Our original story remains below.

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With the athletic calendar hitting a summer lull, sports betting operators are looking far and wide for ways to attract customers and action. Enter … 2021 Oscars odds?

The Masters this weekend will be a nice boost. The NBA playoffs will draw attention. And there’s reason to believe the Stanley Cup playoffs might do better in Michigan than in other states.

But the more gambling events, the better. Especially in a new Michigan market that’s an important barometer for the industry.

So, could Michigan become the third state to allow for Academy Awards betting in time for the April 25 show?

It was looking increasingly unlikely in early April, and here was why.

Will Michigan follow New Jersey’s lead for Oscars betting?

The Academy Awards have been available for wagers in New Jersey since 2019, with DraftKings offering markets each year. They are the only operator to post odds so far there this year.

Indiana also offered markets last year.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board drew up many of their rules based on those references, so Michigan adding Oscars betting seems possible.

As of this week, however, no operators have requested their inclusion on to the MGCB sports wagering catalog. But spokesperson Mary Kay Bean said nothing would have to change in legislative terms for bets to be accepted.

How do new betting markets get added in Michigan?

The process for wagers to be accepted in Michigan begins with an operator requesting a particular sport or market.

The Michigan Gaming Control Board would then review the request.

For instance, sports and leagues currently pending review include the American Cornhole League and UEFA Women’s Champions League soccer.

Drone Racing League bets were approved by the MGCB on March 18.

The 2021 Oscars don’t have the sizzle of past years

Although it’s unclear yet if Oscars bets will be available later this month, this might not be the year to add them.

With movie theaters closed for much of 2020, there just isn’t the sizzle leading up to this year’s award season.

Jessica Welman of PlayNJ.com has more details on the lack of 2021 buzz.

In New Jersey, 22 categories are on the board, including Best Picture.

Here are the odds from Thursday afternoon:

• Nomadland: -500
• The Trial of the Chicago 7: +650
• Promising Young Woman: +1200
• Minari: +1200
• Judas and the Black Messiah: +2500
• Mank: +2500
• Sound of Metal: +5000
• The Father: +8000

For now, there’s no definitive answer on whether you will be allowed to be on the Oscars by showtime on ABC later this month.

But if it’s going to happen, the 2021 Oscars odds market has to be approved soon.