The NCAA is considering a major change to its current sports betting policy.
Key Takeaways
- The NCAA’s D-1 Board of Directors passed a proposal to “deregulate” pro sports betting by a vote of 21-1
- The D-1 Council will discuss and potentially approve the change in the coming days
- Removing the ban signals a significant change in the NCAA’s gambling policies
Sports Illustrated’s Pat Forde recently reported that college athletics’ governing body could adopt legislation removing a ban on professional sports wagering by NCAA athletes, coaches, and staff members.
The proposal to “deregulate” was passed by a vote of 21 to 1 by the Division I Board of Directors last month. The legislation advances to the D-1 Council, where it will be discussed this week. If the ban is removed, NCAA members could be allowed to bet on pro sports by June.
Wagering on college sports in any way would still be prohibited.
The board also passed a directive to have the NCAA develop concepts for “a safe harbor, limited immunity, or reduced penalties” for athletes who bet on sports but seek problem gambling help.
Enforcement changes
This move would be a softening of the NCAA’s stance on gambling, the report said. Enforcement and college compliance officials have been dealing with a significant increase in pro sports betting infraction cases. The penalties to athletes, coaches, and staff are typically small and take time, which could be a reason for the ban removal proposal.
The NCAA had long been against any form of gambling, but some of that has changed. The governing body has come down hard on members who have participated in college sports wagering, which appears to be the NCAA’s focus now.
College basketball has dealt with several issues pertaining to potential game-fixing and performance manipulation over the last two years. A federal investigation reportedly involves former NBA center Jontay Porter’s case and links to the college basketball scandals.
In March 2024, President Charlie Baker called for state lawmakers and regulators to ban player prop betting.
Betting landscape
Since PASPA was overturned in 2018, allowing states to decide if they want to operate sports betting, 40 U.S. jurisdictions have legalized wagering. Currently, 38 states and Washington, D.C., offer pro sports betting. Missouri is expected to launch online wagering this fall.
Nearly $150 billion was wagered legally on sports in the U.S. in 2024. Sports betting created over $13 billion in revenue for operators. With the expansion of wagering and an increase in daily fantasy sports sites, the NCAA is likely to continue to evaluate the betting landscape and adjust its policies.
