From the beginning to the end of this week, the world of sports and sports betting has come to a sudden standstill. Fears about the proliferation of COVID-19 are affecting every aspect of life in America. As we continue to see a wave of cancellations, delays, and shutdowns, we are monitoring the effects on Indiana’s gambling economy.

Kentucky Derby Postponed on Tuesday, March 17

The Iowa governor shuts down casinos at 11:30 a.m.

Following an announcement by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds restricting gatherings to 10 people, Iowa casinos will cease operations for the rest of March. Here’s more from Governor Reynolds:

“She stated, ‘We are indeed living in unparalleled times and Iowa is prepared to take any necessary measures to tackle this public health crisis. I’ve given the go-ahead for the use of all state resources, supplies, equipment, and materials to fight against COVID-19. The steps we’re taking today are essential for the health and safety of every Iowan and crucial in curbing the virus’s spread.'”

The Kentucky Derby and Oaks, initially scheduled for 9:00 a.m., have been postponed to September.

The Kentucky Derby, originally scheduled for May 5, will be delayed until Sept. 5. Churchill Downs declared the delay on the evening of March 16 via a mass email, but only disclosed the new date during a conference call the next morning.

“As the COVID-19 pandemic swiftly unfolded, our primary concern was to ensure the safety and health of our guests, team members and the community. We have consistently made all essential operational changes in line with the changing situation to guarantee the safest experience.”

For the first time since 1945, the race will not occur on the first Saturday in May this year.

The postponement of the 146th Longines Kentucky Oaks has been declared, moving it from May 1 to Sept. 1. The revised dates for both the Oaks and the Derby now require approval from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. Churchill Downs, the venue, is anticipating approval on March 19.

Keeneland 2020 Spring Race Meet, scheduled for Monday, March 16, has been canceled.

The semiannual meet at Kentucky track, scheduled for 3:05 p.m., has been cancelled.

The sport of horse racing is now experiencing cancellations as a result of COVID-19 concerns, just like many other sports. Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky has declared that its 2020 Spring Race Meet is now canceled. This decision, similar to those made in various other sports across the country, has been influenced by the recommendations of the CDC.

Following a cautionary announcement from the Centers for Disease Control on Sunday, March 15, the decision was made. The CDC warned against organizing large events and mass gatherings such as conferences, festivals, parades, concerts, sporting events, weddings, and other types of assemblies.

The CDC advised that events hosting 50 or more people should be postponed for at least eight weeks. Originally, the meet was set to occur from April 2 to April 24.

Opening day is delayed by MLB, scheduled for 2:10 p.m.

The initial plan was for Major League Baseball to have its earliest season opener ever, with all teams set to start their seasons on March 26.

However, the schedule has now been delayed until at least May 16. Just last week, the MLB opted to postpone the season’s start to April 9. Now, this date has been pushed back even more.

In line with the latest recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) issued last night, which restrict events with over 50 people for the coming eight weeks, the 2020 regular season’s commencement will be delayed accordingly.

The MLB intends for teams to finish as much of their 162-game schedule as feasible. However, this entirely hinges on when the season commences.

The league remains open to further postponing the opening day. Evaluations will be conducted on a weekly basis.

Governor Holcomb closes bars and restaurants at 11:30 a.m.

Governor Eric Holcomb mandated the closure of bars, clubs, and restaurants across the state. These measures align Indiana with the CDC’s formal advice to curtail the spread of COVID-19.

This is one of the statements released by Holcomb regarding the changes.

Indiana will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidance for large events and mass gatherings, which recommends avoiding in-person events with more than 50 people.

Through the end of March, bars and restaurants can still maintain their take-out and delivery services, although this could be subject to change depending on how the situation unfolds.

Moreover, elective surgeries will be delayed in hospitals across Indiana. This decision was made to prevent these procedures from overwhelming the state’s health care system.

The NFL has announced that the Draft will proceed as scheduled at 11:18 a.m.

The NFL Draft for this year will go ahead as planned. However, the usual format will not be used due to the cancellation of large gatherings. The event will be conducted remotely, though the league is yet to determine the exact method for this.

The NFL communicated the changes by distributing a memo to every team, and also posted a comprehensive statement about the decision on the internet.

The selection of players by the clubs will continue as planned from April 23-25. The NFL is looking into creative methods for conducting the process and will share the information once it is available. The selection process will be broadcast on television.

Next month’s public Draft events in Las Vegas are all canceled as well.

Sunday, March 15: All Indiana casinos are closed for two weeks by IGC.

The Indiana Gaming Commission has mandated a two-week closure for all 14 casinos in the state, effective from 6 a.m. on Monday.

The complete statement from IGC is as follows:

Due to evolving conditions and for the sake of public health, all licensed gaming and racing activities in Indiana will be suspended for a minimum of 14 days starting at 6:00 a.m. on Monday, March 16, 2020. The Indiana Gaming and Horse Racing Commissions will keep assessing the situation and provide necessary updates.

Over the weekend, Illinois also closed its casinos. Following a directive from Gov. Mike DeWine prohibiting mass gatherings, Ohio will similarly close down its casinos.

Despite a directive from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer banning public gatherings of over 250 people, Michigan casinos are staying open. However, Gun Lake Casino has chosen to voluntarily close for two weeks.

NFL cancels pre-draft visits on Friday, March 13.

The NFL cancels in-person pre-Draft visits at 2:40 p.m.

The status of this year’s NFL Draft is currently undetermined. The league has put a stop to draft-eligible players visiting, meeting, or working out for teams until further notice. This change was communicated to every club through a memo released by the NFL.

In light of recent health and public safety data regarding COVID-19, we’ve decided to ban all in-person pre-draft visits with draft-eligible players, starting at the close of business today, until further notice.

The NFL Draft is set for April 23, however, the league is willing to cancel the event in the future, if circumstances necessitate it.

Several teams had already withdrawn their scouts and coaches from meetings, but the NFL’s announcement now officially enforces this across the entire league.

Indy racing and NASCAR will be off until April, starting at 11:30 a.m.

On Thursday, auto racing was among the few sports still active. However, this was no longer the case by Friday as both NASCAR and Indy Car races were postponed till April. As of now, the Indy 500 is still slated to take place on Sunday, May 24. The local news outlet, WIBC, managed to get the following statement from Indy racing:

“We are vigilantly observing the situation and collaborating intimately with public health authorities to safeguard the health of our spectators and those participating in our events. As our opening day is almost 60 days from now, we still have time to procure professional advice and assess the latest information available.”

Soccer in England comes to a standstill at 7:05 a.m.

The operations of the Premier League, the Football Association, the English Football League, and the Women’s Super League have all been suspended until further notice. A statement regarding the decision was released by the EPL.

In this extraordinary circumstance, we are coordinating closely with our clubs, the government, the FA, and the EFL. We want to assure everyone that the health and welfare of our players, staff, and fans take precedence.

The leagues aspire to resume operations by April 4, however, this is liable to change depending on how the situation evolves.

Meanwhile, with Champions League and Europa League also suspended, soccer fans can focus on Liga MX, which is continuing without any cancellations.

Updates prior to and on Thursday, March 12

On March 12, college basketball conferences across the country canceled their respective postseason tournaments throughout the day.

The decision to cancel this year’s March Madness tournament was made by the NCAA that same evening. This officially marked the end of the college basketball season.

On March 12, various professional sports leagues suspended their seasons throughout the day. Let’s examine which leagues either suspended their activities indefinitely or canceled events.

• NBA: Season put on hold, reassessment due in 30 days.
• NHL: Season suspended indefinitely
• MLB Spring Training has been canceled and the season openers have been postponed until at least April 9.
• PGA Tour has canceled the Players Championship and all events up to the Valero Texas Open. The Masters Tournament has also been suspended indefinitely.
• MLS: Season suspended indefinitely
• XFL: The rest of the 2020 season has been cancelled.
• UEFA indefinitely suspends Champions League and Europa League.

The NBA suspended its season a day earlier than other cancellations, following a positive COVID-19 test result from Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert on the evening of March 11.