The NCAA D-1 committee has voted to allow student athletes to bet on pro sports
This rule change must still be voted on by the D-2 and D-3 schools before it can gain approval
The proposal has the backing of the National Council on Problem Gambling
In a somewhat surprising move, the
NCAA Administrative Division I Committee has adopted a proposal that would permit student-athletes and athletics department staff members to bet on professional sports.
“The Administrative Committee was clear in its discussion today that it remains concerned about the risks associated with all forms of sports gambling but ultimately voted to reduce restrictions on student-athletes in this area to better align with their campus peers,” Josh Whitman, Illinois athletics director and committee chair, said in a statement.
“This change allows the NCAA, three conferences, and the member schools to focus on protecting the integrity of college games while, at the same time, encouraging healthy habits for student-athletes who choose to engage in betting activities on professional sports.”
To become an official NCAA rule change, the proposal must still gain approval from the administrative committees of Division II and Division III. Divisions II and III will be considering the proposal during their respective meetings at the end of October. If approved by all three divisions, the rule change will take effect on November 1.
The D-I committee emphasized in approving the rule change that the action is not an endorsement of sports betting, particularly for student-athletes.
The NCAA prohibition against betting on college sports — and sharing information about college competitions with other bettors — remains in place. All betting on amateur sports would continue to be restricted. Prohibitions against student-athletes and team officials disclosing privileged information for the benefit of known sports bettors will remain in place.
This change also would not impact rules prohibiting advertising and sponsorships associated with sports betting for NCAA Championships.
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A recent NCAA investigation uncovered evidence of game manipulation
This decision comes on the heels of an
NCAA investigation
that uncovered evidence of game fixing involving basketball players from Fresno State and San Jose State.
Two of the student-athletes then manipulated their performances to ensure that certain bets were won. As a result, they violated ethical conduct rules, triggering permanent ineligibility.
As a result of that investigation, the three players involved — Fresno State forward Mykell Robinson and guard Jalen Weaver, and San Jose State guard Steven Vasquez — were released from their respective teams and are no longer enrolled at their previous schools.
The investigation found that Robinson manipulated his play during a January 7, 2025, game between Fresno State and Colorado State. Weaver and Vasquez bet on Robinson. A Nevada sportsbook operator wound up flagging the suspicious bets.
This NCAA move has the approval of problem gambling organizations
Despite this evidence of game manipulation for the benefit of gambling, NCAA officials insist it would be naive of them to believe they can keep college students from betting on sports.
"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," Dr. Deena Casiero, NCAA chief medical officer, said in a statement.
The proposal enabling NCAA student-athletes to bet on pro sports is getting the stamp of approval from the National Council on Problem Gambling. The council agreed with Dr. Casiero that reducing the stigma surrounding gambling is the best path.
"(The National Council on Problem Gambling) stands ready to work with the NCAA and its member organizations to ensure every student-athlete understands the risks of gambling and that seeking help is always safe, confidential, and judgment-free," the organization said in a statement.
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