NCAA Proposal Would Allow Student Athletes To Bet On Pro Sports

Publish Date: 10/09/2025
Fact checked by: Collin
Key Points
  • 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

NCAA

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.

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.

Caesars Sport
1.
4.8/5
Up to $250 Bonus Bet
USA
USA Players Welcome
E-Check
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
BetMGM
2.
4.6/5
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
USA
USA Players Welcome
PayNearMe
Skrill
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.
Bet365
3.
4.4/5
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
USA
USA Players Welcome
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
DraftKings
4.
4.3/5
New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!
USA
USA Players Welcome
PayPal
VIP Preferred
Play+
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
FanDuel
5.
4.2/5
Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!
USA
USA Players Welcome
Prepaid Card
PayNearMe
PayPal
Virginia (US) Lottery Board
Bet now
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.
Read Also
Latest News
California Governor Newsom Signs Bill Banning Sweepstakes Casinos
With a stroke of his pen, California Governor ...
NCAA Proposal Would Allow Student Athletes To Bet On Pro Sports
In a somewhat surprising move, the NCAA Administrative ...
Prediction Market Kalshi Suing Ohio Regulator And State Attorney General’s Of...
The ongoing battle between prediction markets and state ...
Las Vegas Sands Closes Its Digital Gambling Arm
Evidently, you can't teach an old dog new ...
Michigan Regulator Warns Online Sportsbooks Not To Enter Prediction Markets
The state gambling regulatory body in Michigan is ...
Top Brands
Top Bonuses
CrownCoinsCasino
CrownCoinsCasino
CrownCoinsCasino Review
4.9/5
LoneStar Casino
LoneStar Casino
LoneStar Casino Review
4.8/5
Stake.us
Stake.us
Stake.us Review
4.7/5
MegaBonanza
MegaBonanza
MegaBonanza Review
4.5/5
Jackpota
Jackpota
Jackpota Review
4.5/5
CrownCoinsCasino
CrownCoinsCasino Promo
Get 200% More Coins on First Purchase - 1.5M CC + 75 SC
T&Cs apply
4.9/5
LoneStar Casino
LoneStar Casino Promo
Get up to 500K Gold Coins + 105 FREE SC + 1000 VIP points
T&Cs apply
4.8/5
Stake.us
Stake.us Promo
25 SC and 25K GC signup bonus
T&Cs apply
4.7/5
MegaBonanza
MegaBonanza Promo
150% First Purchase Offer: Up to 600K Gold Coins + 303 SC FREE
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Jackpota
Jackpota Promo
100% More Coins: 80,000 GC + 40 FREE SC + 75 Free SC Spins
T&Cs apply
4.5/5
Our Team
Collin
Collin
PromoGuy Legend
PB
PB
Our man for Picks & Guides
Ryan
Ryan
Expected Value Evangelist
Meghan
Meghan
Marketing Manager
Joseph Scalise
Joseph Scalise
Betting Analyst
Bob Duff
Bob Duff
Author
Follow our free plays
Choose your preferred channel:
Wanna make consistent profits with online sports betting?

21+ and present in VA. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

This site is using Cloudflare and adheres to the Google Safe Browsing Program. We adapted Google's Privacy Guidelines to keep your data safe at all times.
Virginia Town HallCloudflareSSL
Close
Top 3 Sportsbook Bonuses
BetMGM
BetMGM Promo
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
Quick Draft
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open BetMGM
Get Bonus
Bet365
Bet365 Promo
Bet $5 & Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
Newcomer
T&Cs and 21+ apply
Code:
Open Bet365
Open Bet365
Wanna make consistent profits with online sports betting?