NCAA Division I Approves Proposal Allowing Betting on Pro Sports
An NCAA proposal to allow student-athletes, coaches and athletic department staff to place bets on professional sports received approval from the Division I Administrative Committee Wednesday and now awaits consideration by Divisions II and III.
Assuming they also approve, the longstanding ban on such wagering could be lifted as soon as Nov. 1. The prohibition against betting on college sports would remain in place.
The Division I Administrative Committee believes that eliminating the restriction would allow “student-athletes in this area to better align with their campus peers,” and therefore voted for it. However, it “remain[s] concerned about the risks associated with all forms of sports gambling,” said Josh Whitman, chair of the committee and athletics director at Illinois.
According to Whitman, the change helps the NCAA, its conferences and schools to protect college games while promoting positive habits for the student-athletes who engage in betting.
Striking a similar tone, the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee also supported the proposal, which they say “prioritizes education, transparency and support over punishment.”
The group added that removing obstacles could encourage student-athletes to seek help or talk about gambling issues without fear of impacting their eligibility.
The potential rule change comes amid growing concern over sports betting violations in college athletics. The NCAA has reported an increase in enforcement cases, most involving actions that directly affected game integrity.
In September, three former men’s basketball players were permanently banned after betting on their own games and manipulating in-game performances. The NCAA is also investigating 13 other student-athletes across six schools for similar allegations.
Tim Sands, chair of the Division I Board of Directors and President of Virginia Tech, said the decision reflects the changing landscape. The focus should be on reducing harm rather than punishing students, he said.
The NCAA should concentrate on education and awareness rather than prohibition, according to NCAA Chief Medical Officer Dr. Deena Casiero. “Abstinence-only approaches to social challenges for college-aged individuals are often not as successful as approaches that focus on education about risks and open dialogue,” Casiero said.
The National Council on Problem Gambling also expressed support for the proposed rule change, noting that easing restrictions could reduce the stigma for student-athletes seeking help.
That endorsement comes amid growing financial and mental health concerns around sports wagering. In 2024, U.S. sportsbooks earned a record $13.7 billion in revenue, while research shows problem gambling rates among sports bettors are roughly twice as high as among casual gamblers. Studies have also linked the rise in online betting to increased stress and social media harassment directed at college athletes.
Jon Duncan, NCAA vice president of enforcement, remarked, “Our focus will remain on behaviors that most directly affect the integrity of college sports.”
As sports betting becomes increasingly popular in day-to-day life, the proposal reflects the pervasiveness of sports betting among college students. As the NCAA awaits approval from Divisions II and III, proponents insist the move will preserve the integrity of college sports.
Category: NCAA, Sports Betting, Sports Gambling
