Can NCAA Athletes Bet on Sports?

Over the past few years, there has been a significant trend of NCAA college athletes betting on sports and engaging in event wagers. Though the NCAA has strict regulations against this behavior from the student athletes themselves, the excitement of a large payout, swift money, and the overall access to online betting platforms has made it increasingly difficult to enforce these well-established rules.

In fact, universities once started to align themselves with large gambling and gaming operations. For example, the University of Maryland Athletics signed an agreement to name PointsBet USA as their official partner and Louisiana State University (LSU) named Caesars the Official Sportsbook of LSU Athletics. As sports betting continues to scale across America and the market expands, this alarming trend of increased sports betting among NCAA student athletes may be cause for serious concern. There is potential for major impacts on athlete mental wellbeing, health, and wellness as well as the opportunity for corruption in college sports.

UPDATE: Sports betting operators have stopped partnering with colleges and universities after major pushback

Gambling on college campuses

A 2018 NCAA survey revealed that 24% of NCAA college athletes gambled on sports over the past year. Out of this pool, men’s basketball players had the highest likelihood of gambling on sports and 35% reported placing wagers. Additionally, NCAA athletes were overwhelmingly found to be more likely to gamble on sports than peers not involved in college athletics. Only 18% of non-athletes bet on sports the year prior.

UPDATE: A new 2024 edition of the NCAA student-athlete survey had very notable results. Check them out here.

Access to online sports betting and the steady rise of these wagering platforms has made access to gambling easier than ever for NCAA student athletes to engage in active gambling. These platforms and websites allow athletes to place bets from computers, phones, or tablets - often with a single click. This easy access as well as the potential for high volume payouts is dangerous and may be particularly compelling to college athletes who could face financial pressures as they look for a way to supplement their day to day income while still a student.

Though the NCAA prohibits athletes from wagering on any sport where the organization holds a league championship, NCAA athletes are able to often source illegal ways to bet on popular contests like events in football (bowl games such as the Rose Bowl) and basketball (the NCAA men’s basketball tournament also known as March Madness). If caught betting on these events, there can be serious consequences for NCAA athletes including expulsion or suspension from their team or school. Beyond mere disciplinary action, there are other risks associated with sports betting in NCAA student athletes.

A huge aspect of the regulation against this is focused on stopping corruption in the league as well as warning against match-fixing (activity by in-game participants to ensure that the contest results in a certain outcome). Though there is not sufficient evidence to state that NCAA athletes are involved in either activity, the possibility exists - and indeed is increased by sports betting in the NCAA.

Additionally, with increased sports betting in the NCAA, there is added scrutiny and constant pressure on student athletes who are already in stressful situations. Betting may exacerbate these issues. Should an NCAA athlete develop a gambling addiction, they may face criminal problems or financial debt, which can have serious consequences across their future careers and full lives.

Ensuring Student-Athletes Receive the Education and Care Required

Through our University programs, Birches Health works directly with at risk NCAA student athletes. Our providers intake patients, carefully evaluate symptoms and signs, and design a custom treatment plan to help athletes begin their recovery journey and regain control. Birches Health's platform allows a student athlete to fully engage in their day to day while still receiving the problem gambling care they need. We ensure high quality clinical outcomes through only engaging with gambling specialized providers who have years of experience treating student athletes.

If you are a student athlete or know one, take our problem gambling assessment today to help identify your at risk behaviors and better understand if you should have a free, confidential conversation with a gambling specialist.