Bets on O.J. Simpson’s parole big business in Vegas

Betting types are hoping to cash in on the odds of O.J. Simpson being granted parole on Thursday.

According to GamblingSites.org, the odds heavily favor the parole hearing will go the Heisman Trophy winner’s way. If he is granted parole, Simpson could be a free man by October, nine years into his 33-year-sentence for armed robbery.

Of course, Simpson was famously acquitted in 1995 when he stood trial for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Following his acquittal in the criminal case he lost a $33.5 million civil case regarding the unsolved murders.

Subsequently, Simpson was arrested in 2007 for his involvement in an armed robbery at the Palace Station Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas in which he claimed he and several partners in crime were “re-claiming” sports memorabilia that Simpson claimed belonged to him, reported GamblingSites.org.

According to USA Today, “about 70 percent of the gamblers are betting on parole” for Simpson. Online betting website Bovada.lv is taking bets on the outcome of Thursday’s hearing.

The Chicago Tribune explains that in order to make $100 on a bet for Simpson being granted parole you would have to risk $300:

“Under the proposition bet: “Will O.J. Simpson be granted parole in 2017?” the lines are “Yes” (-300) and “No” (+200). The means to make $100 on a bet for “Yes” you would have to risk $300 while a $100 bet for “No” would net you $200, making “Yes” a heavy favorite.”

According to a statement issued by the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners, the hearing is open to the public and visitors may attend the 10:00 a.m. meeting. Any recommendation made by the panel is subject to final approval by “the affirmative action of a majority of the Board.” The Board is not required to hear public comment.

 

Feature photo: Associated Press