Big changes could be coming to the NCAA’s gambling policy this week.
The NCAA Division I Council is expected to vote on a proposal to allow student athletes and staff to bet on pro sports. This would end the long-standing ban on gambling in college athletics to accommodate the expansion of legal sports betting.
The effort to end the ban began in April, when the Division I Board of Directors voted to create a proposal. It passed by a vote of 21-1, which has led many to believe the Council will formally approve the measure this week.
If the council does approve lifting the ban, it still won’t be enough to enact the change. The Division II and Division III Councils will also need to approve the proposal for it to become official. Those Councils will meet in July, meaning the change wouldn’t happen until close to August if the proposal is approved.
The proposal presents a novel solution to the growing gambling issue within the NCAA. There have been many instances where athletes or staff have been caught wagering with online sportsbooks. The numbers were so great that the league decided to soften penalties last year, especially for those only betting on pro sports. This was the first time the NCAA evolved its gambling policy, and it ultimately opened the door for the current proposal.
NCAA Taking Big Gamble
While ending the ban on pro sports betting has plenty of support, many remain skeptical of the idea.
Proponents of the proposal believe that college athletes are being tempted to bet due to the popularity of the industry. They see their friends betting on games as the industry continues to rise in popularity. The hope is that lifting the ban will allow athletes and staff to scratch that itch using a safe and regulated sportsbook. Given the prevalence of betting scandals, supporters see this as a unique solution to a complex problem.
Opponents agree that action is needed, but have serious concerns about opening the door for any form of gambling. Mainly, they worry about the effects of problem gambling, especially for young athletes. That competitive drive, which allows them to play college sports, could fuel problem gambling habits, leading to significant losses.
If athletes begin struggling with addiction and see losses pile up, they could be more likely to seek out illegal ways to make up for it. This could lead to more match-fixing scandals and further erode the integrity of college sports.
