A Brief History of Gambling on TV Shows

Odds on who shot Mr. Burns on “The Simpsons”

Homer 2/1

Smithers 5/2

Krusty 3/1

Bart 3/1

Barney 5/1

Hans Moleman 7/1

Moe 8/1

Grampa 10/1

Mayor Quimby 12/1

Apu Nahasapeemapetilon 15/1

Lisa 20/1

Snake 25/1

Principal Skinner 30/1

Sideshow Mel 40/1

Groundskeeper Willie 40/1

Sea Captain 50/1

Nelson 70/1

Maggie Simpson 70/1

Ms. Krabappel 75/1

Milhouse 100/1

Otto 100/1

Martin 100/1

Lionel Hutz 150/1

Dr. Nick Rivera 175/1

Lunchlady Doris 200/1

Dr. Hibbert 250/1

Ms. Hoover 300/1

Tito Puente 600/1

With a Grain-of-Salt Source

The famous double episode of “The Simpsons,” entitled “Who Shot Mr. Burns?” allowed gamblers to wager on the culprit responsible for the shooting. Certain European bookmakers made the mistake of also offering odds before the television show aired in that territory.

Source 2