NCAA Poised to Relax Ban on Pro Sports Betting

The NCAA is contemplating a significant shift in its stance on sports wagering. This week, leaders are considering legislation that could allow college athletes and staff to bet on professional sports, a move that could reshape the landscape of permissible gambling in collegiate athletics.

Potential Rule Change

Sources indicate that NCAA officials may vote this week on a proposal that would remove the prohibition on wagering on professional sports. The Division I Board of Directors voted in favor of this change, and the D-I Council is expected to vote this week. The proposal would still prohibit athletes from betting on college sports.

Momentum has been building toward such a change for a couple of months.

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) June 17, 2024

“It’s been hotly debated,”

— an anonymous source, familiar with discussions

A 2024 report showed a 10% decrease in online abuse directed at athletes during the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, signaling positive impacts from current initiatives (NCAA).

Navigating the Complexities

Currently, the NCAA prohibits athletes and staff from betting on professional sports sponsored by the organization. The NCAA’s policies are more restrictive than those of professional leagues. Those in favor of the rule change emphasize educating athletes about problem gambling rather than penalizing them.

Campus mental health professionals have been provided more resources to help with gambling addiction. The goal is for athletes to seek help without fear of losing eligibility. Critics express concern that legalizing pro sports betting might lead to wagering on college games.

There are ongoing investigations into the fixing of games in men’s college basketball. The arrest of individuals linked to former NBA player Jontay Porter has expanded to include multiple college games and teams. Several D-I men’s basketball teams suspended or dismissed players last season due to betting or performance manipulation.