Indiana is among the states that have recently legalized sports betting.
It won’t be legal for students and staff members at Butler University to bet on their team, however. The university in Indianapolis, Ind., announced Friday that it has enacted a Sports Wagering Policy that prohibits Butler’s students, staff, faculty, trustees and independent contractors from betting on the Bulldogs.
“We pride ourselves on providing our student-athletes an exceptional educational and athletic experience,” Butler President James Danko said, according to CBS 4 in Indianapolis. “Our Sports Wagering Policy, which is supported by our Board of Trustees, is a proactive measure rooted in our commitment to and support of our student-athletes and our athletic programs.”
Butler’s press release said that the policy will protect Butler athletes and coaches from outside influence from students or staff who may have bet on their game.
“The goal of the policy is to foster a culture of honesty, integrity, and fair play in keeping with The Butler Way,” the release said, according to CBS 4. “Butler’s student-athletes and those providing support to the athletic program are already prohibited from engaging in sports wagering by NCAA rules.”
“I am pleased that our University’s leadership has taken this important step to live our shared values and protect the integrity of our campus community,” Butler Vice President and Director of Athletics Barry Collier said.
Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., approved a similar betting ban in October, according to Inside Indiana Business. Indiana residents have been able to wager on sporting events, including at the NCAA and major league level, since Sept. 1, 2019. Online gambling opened statewide in October.
