Which states allow College Football Prop Betting? Which banned it?
Published:
Jul 31, 2024
,
09:50 a.m.
ET
Updated:
Aug 22, 2025
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10:15 a.m.
ET
The tradition. The pageantry. The atmosphere. Even with captivating NFL action and the MLB postseason supplying fireworks this time of year, the old adage “the boys of fall” is closely tied to the college football level, a sport that is held near and dear in the hearts of millions.
The beginning of the college football season invites excitement and anticipation for those returning to school and invokes nostalgia for those who wish they were returning to school. The thrill of cheering for one’s favorite team, the strategic discussions and the camaraderie among fans are all part of what makes this sport special.
>> Guide to betting 2025 NCAA College Football smartly, responsibly
Among the various ways fans engage with college football, prop betting has become increasingly popular. Prop betting, short for proposition betting, allows fans to place wagers on specific events, such as a specific player’s performance, within a game rather than the game's overall outcome. This type of betting adds another layer of excitement to the viewing experience. However, the legality of college football prop betting varies by state, with some allowing it and others now prohibiting it altogether.
What is prop betting?
Prop betting involves placing wagers on specific events or outcomes within a game. Unlike traditional bets that focus on the final score or who will win, prop bets can cover a wide range of occurrences, including player performance, game props and team props. These can include the number of touchdowns a player will score, the total passing yards for a quarterback, which team will score first or a margin of victory range. Prop bets add an extra dimension to sports betting, allowing fans to focus on individual performances and specific moments within the game.
Which states allow player prop betting for NCAA College Football?
There are 38 states, plus Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, that allow some form of legalized sports betting. The legality of prop betting on college football varies by state, often influenced by each state's gambling regulations and policies. States that generally allow sports betting have differing rules when it comes to college sports, and even more rules for player prop bets on college games.
Here is the list of locations where player prop betting on college football is allowed without any restrictions:
Arkansas
Kansas
Kentucky
Michigan
Nevada
North Carolina
North Dakota
Wyoming
Here is the list of states where college player prop betting is allowed, but with key restrictions:
Connecticut – no props allowed on CT teams
Delaware – no props allowed on DE teams
Illinois – no props allowed on IL teams
Indiana – pre-game props only
Iowa – no props allowed for IA teams
Montana – retail-only state
Nebraska – no props allowed for NE teams + Can’t bet player props if the athlete is under the age of 18.
New Jersey – no props allowed for NJ teams
New Hampshire – no props allowed for NH teams
New Mexico – no props allowed on games involving UNM or New Mexico State
Rhode Island – no props allowed for RI teams
Washington – no props allowed for WA teams
Washington D.C. – no props allowed for D.C. teams
Wisconsin – no props allowed on WI teams
NOTE: Missouri has not yet launched legal sports betting. The voter approval of Amendment 2 in November 2024 legalized both retail and online sports betting, which is currently set to launch on December 1, 2025.
It is currently unclear whether college player prop betting will be allowed in Missouri once legal wagering begins. This determination is still being finalized by the Missouri Gaming Commission.
Which states have banned college sports player prop betting?
While some states embrace college football player prop betting, others have taken a more cautious approach and banned it altogether. Here is the list of states where college player prop betting is not allowed:
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Mississippi
New York
Ohio
Oregon
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Following NCAA president Charlie Baker’s push, Louisiana, Ohio, Vermont and Maryland were the most recent additions to that list, having removed college player prop betting over the past year.
States with no legal betting:
Alabama
Alaska
California
Georgia
Hawaii
Idaho
Minnesota
Oklahoma
South Carolina
Texas
Utah
Why have some states banned prop betting for college sports?
Two key factors contribute to why some states have banned prop betting on college sports:
NCAA Pressure: The NCAA has been vocal about maintaining the integrity of college sports and protecting student-athletes from the potential negative impacts of gambling. The organization has lobbied against player prop betting on college sports, influencing state decisions.
Protecting Players, Coaches, and Referees: Concerns over the potential for prop betting to lead to the manipulation or mistreatment of players, coaches or referees have led to bans in some states. The fear is that prop bets could incentivize individuals to influence specific outcomes, compromising the integrity of the game. In the college ranks, a Temple regular-season men’s basketball game was flagged by the U.S. Integrity for wagering irregularities.
Beware of offshore sportsbooks offering college football props
While some states ban prop betting on college sports, offshore sportsbooks are pervasive and may offer such bets, creating a tempting alternative for some bettors. However, it is crucial to exercise caution when considering offshore sportsbooks.
These platforms operate outside U.S. jurisdiction, which means they are not subject to the same regulations and consumer protections. Betting with offshore sportsbooks can lead to issues with payment, security and recourse in case of disputes.
Which states prohibit betting on in-state colleges? Why?
In addition to bans on player prop betting, some states have specific prohibitions against betting on in-state college teams, period. These states include:
New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island & Washington D.C.: Prohibit betting on in-state college teams and events, aiming to prevent potential conflicts of interest and protect local athletes.
Massachusetts: Does not allow betting on in-state teams, unless they are playing in a tournament.
Illinois: Similar to New Jersey, Illinois restricts betting on in-state college teams to maintain the integrity of local sports. However, this restriction is only for mobile bettors. If you go to a sportsbook, you may place bets on in-state college teams.
Connecticut: Only allows futures betting on in-state college teams.
Delaware, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, Virginia, South Dakota, Washington & Wisconsin: Bans betting on in-state college teams to safeguard the amateur status and integrity of college sports within the state.
The rationale behind these bans is to protect local athletes from undue pressure and to maintain the integrity of college sports at the state level. By prohibiting bets on in-state teams, these states aim to minimize the risk of corruption and ensure a fair playing field for college athletes.
When College Football prop betting becomes a problem…
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