Angola Rodeo: How Much Do Prisoners Earn?

The Angola Prison Rodeo, held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is the longest-running prison rodeo in the United States. It is a dangerous, voluntary event where inmates can win cash prizes of up to $500. Inmates usually earn between between $0.02 and $0.75 an hour, so the rodeo offers them a chance to make a significant amount of money. However, it has been criticised as being inhumane and exploitative, with participants facing angry bulls and bucking horses with no prior training.

Inmates earn between $0.02 and $0.75 an hour

The Angola Prison Rodeo is a long-standing tradition at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, the largest maximum-security prison in the United States. Every year, thousands of people flock to the prison to watch inmates compete in various rodeo events, putting themselves in harm's way for a chance at cash prizes. While the event is voluntary, the economic incentives are strong, especially considering that inmates' usual wages range from $0.02 to $0.75 per hour.

The rodeo offers inmates an opportunity to earn money, with prizes ranging from a few hundred to five hundred dollars. For inmates who earn meagre wages, the prospect of winning a substantial sum is enticing, even if it means risking injury or putting themselves in dangerous situations.

Inmates' regular wages are a far cry from a livable income, and the rodeo presents a chance to earn a more substantial sum. However, it's important to note that the rodeo is not without its critics. Some argue that the event is inhumane and exploitative, with inmates voluntarily putting themselves in harm's way for a chance at a cash prize.

The economic reality of the prison system calls into question the true voluntariness of the event. While inmates choose to participate, the financial incentives are particularly alluring given the low wages they typically earn. This dynamic has led to criticism of the event and sparked debates about the ethics of the rodeo.

In addition to the rodeo events, the Angola Prison Rodeo also includes an arts and crafts show where inmates sell their handmade creations. This provides another avenue for inmates to earn money, as they are allowed to keep 85% of the profits from their sales. While the rodeo events may be the main attraction, the arts and crafts show offers a more low-key opportunity for inmates to showcase their talents and earn some extra income.

Inmates can win up to $500 in cash prizes

The Angola Prison Rodeo is a dangerous event, with inmates facing off against raging bulls and bucking horses. While participation is voluntary, inmates are not given any training before they perform, and injuries are common. Despite the risks, there is always a waiting list of inmates willing to compete, as the rodeo offers a chance to win cash prizes of up to $500.

The Guts and Glory event is the most dangerous and offers the largest cash prize. In this event, inmates attempt to pluck a poker chip from between the horns of a charging bull. This event has been described as a "battle of people with nothing to lose", with inmates willingly putting themselves in harm's way for the chance to win a substantial sum of money.

The cash prizes on offer are a strong economic incentive for inmates, especially considering that their usual wages are between $0.02 and $0.75 per hour. The chance to win money is not the only lure, however. Inmates also value the opportunity to be treated like regular people and to feel a part of society outside the prison gates.

The rodeo is a significant source of revenue, bringing in approximately $450,000 per day. This money is used to fund various programs and services that benefit the inmates, including trade schools, activity clubs, and educational programs such as GED courses and certification in trades like auto repair or air conditioner installation.

While the rodeo has been criticised for being inhumane and exploitative, it is important to note that inmate safety is taken seriously. Inmates are required to wear protective gear, and emergency personnel and vehicles are on standby. The rodeo is also produced by professionals with years of experience, and each event has trained rodeo clowns to protect the participants.

The rodeo raises funds for religious educational programs for prisoners

The Angola Prison Rodeo, held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is the longest-running prison rodeo in the United States. It is also the last remaining prison rodeo in the country. The rodeo, a collaboration between prisoners and prison employees, began in 1965.

The rodeo consists of traditional and unique events. The traditional events include bull riding, bronco riding, barrel racing, and steer wrestling. The unique events include Convict Poker, where four inmates play poker while sitting at a table in the middle of the arena, and the bull with the sole purpose of unseating them. The last inmate remaining seated wins. Another event is Prisoner Pinball, where inmates stand in randomly placed hula hoops, and a bull is released. The last inmate remaining in their hula hoop wins.

The rodeo is a source of controversy, with some critics calling it inhumane and exploitative. Inmates are not given any training before participating in the dangerous events, and injuries are common. However, inmate participation is entirely voluntary, and many see it as a rare opportunity to feel a part of society outside of the prison gates.

The rodeo is also an economic opportunity for inmates, who can earn a significant amount of money by participating in the events or selling their crafts and furniture at the accompanying craft fair.

The rodeo attracts thousands of visitors to the prison

The Angola Prison Rodeo is the longest-running prison rodeo in the United States. It is held on one weekend in April and every Sunday in October, with thousands of visitors entering the prison complex. The rodeo is staged at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, located around 50 miles northwest of Baton Rouge, and is the state's biggest prison. The current stadium has a capacity of 10,000 people, with tickets priced at $20 per person.

The rodeo was conceived in 1964 and first took place in 1965 as a joint project between prisoners, prison employees, and civilians living in Angola's residential area. Initially, the rodeo was not open to the public, but in 1967, tickets were offered to the general public, with proceeds going to the Inmate Welfare Fund, which finances educational and recreational programs for inmates.

The rodeo has grown in popularity over the years, with the penitentiary expanding the arena to accommodate more spectators. The event includes traditional rodeo activities such as bull riding, bronco riding, and barrel racing, as well as unique events like "Convict Poker" and "Prisoner Pinball." The grand finale is the Guts and Glory event, where inmates attempt to retrieve a poker chip from a charging bull for a chance to win $500.

The rodeo is a source of controversy, with critics arguing that it is inhumane and exploitative. Inmates are not provided with training before participating in dangerous events, and injuries are common. However, supporters argue that inmate participation is voluntary, and it provides an opportunity for inmates to feel a sense of accomplishment and connection with society outside the prison gates.

The rodeo also includes an arts and crafts show, where inmates are allowed to sell their creations and keep 85% of the profits. This aspect of the event is highly popular among visitors, who also enjoy Cajun cuisine and live music performed by inmate bands.

Inmates sell their arts and crafts and keep 85% of the profits

The Angola Prison Rodeo, held at the Louisiana State Penitentiary, is the longest-running prison rodeo in the United States. The rodeo is a collaboration between prisoners and prison employees, and it includes an Arts and Crafts Festival where prisoners sell their handmade work.

The biannual Arts and Crafts Festival is a significant event for the inmates, who are allowed to interact with the general public and sell their creations. Inmates with an untarnished behavioural record are permitted to sell their artwork and crafts, which include paintings, sculptures, wooden furniture, toys, and jewellery. The festival provides a rare opportunity for inmates to socialise outside the prison gates and take pride in showcasing their talents.

The process of creating and selling their artwork can be therapeutic for the inmates, offering a psychological reprieve from the harsh realities of prison life. It also provides them with a sense of purpose and a chance to develop valuable skills. The income generated from these sales can make a significant difference in their lives, as it allows them to provide for themselves and their families.

While the inmates keep 85% of the profits from their sales, the remaining 15% is used to cover the show's overhead costs and credit card fees. This arrangement ensures that the inmates receive the majority of the benefits from their hard work and creativity.

The Angola Prison Rodeo and its accompanying Arts and Crafts Festival are unique events that offer both entertainment and economic opportunities for the prisoners. It is a chance for the inmates to express their creativity, interact with the outside world, and generate income to support themselves and their families.

Frequently asked questions