Oscars 2025 Odds: New York And Las Vegas Venues Battle It Out To Host Awards

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Photo by RDNE Stock project: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-of-an-academy-award-7005696/
At this time of year Hollywood would usually be a buzzing hive of excitement ahead of the Academy Awards in March.
But in 2025, the people of Los Angeles have something more important on their minds than an awards ceremony. Amid the terrifying wildfires, Hollywood has responded by delaying the 2025 Academy Awards nominations from January 17 to January 19, and they’ve since been moved again to January 23.
While the Academy are determined to still house this year’s Oscars in Hollywood, insisting the event will “bring a sense of healing to our global film community”, if things worsen between now and March 2 then a change of venue might be required – with Las Vegas the current frontrunner.
Gambling.com’s Entertainment expert, James Leyfield, has created a market on what venue could host the Academy Awards if it is moved from LA.
Oscars In The Sphere
Las Vegas’ Sphere is one of the most talked about venues in recent times, due to its immersive video and audio capabilities, which include a mesmerising 160,000-square-foot wraparound LED display around the interior of the venue.
The venue is the early 11/8 favourite to be the setting for the 97th Academy Awards, which will be hosted by Conan O’Brien, but it could face competition from some other Sin City arenas.
The MGM Grand (15/8) is second-favourite and has plenty of awards show pedigree.
Caesars Palace (3/1), which is known for hosting residencies featuring some of the world’s top music acts, also needs no introduction.
The Big Apple To Step In?
Should the Academy decide to move the Oscars this year and fancy a switch to the east side of America, then a New York venue is likely to be a big runner.
Step forward Madison Square Garden.
The Garden, as it is affectionately known, is 2/1 to house this year’s Oscars ceremony, but the arena could face competition just 11 miles down the road.
New York’s Prudential Center (7/2) is also thought to be in contention, after the venue featured the MTV Video Music Awards in 2023 and 2022.
The UBS Arena, on New York’s Long Island, took over VMAs hosting duties last year, and, at 5/1, the Big Apple venue is another runner to be the setting for this year’s Oscars.
Low-Key Oscars Venue
Amid the Covid pandemic, then San Francisco’s The Exploratorium (6/1) or Phoenix’s The Phoenix Art Museum (10/1), could be just what they’re looking for.
If so, the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee – which hosts The Country Music Association (CMA) Awards annually – could have an outside chance at 5/1.

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