Which states allow College Football Prop Betting? Which banned it?

The tradition. The pageantry. The atmosphere. Even with captivating NFL action and the MLB postseason supplying October fireworks, 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 2024 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 2024 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., 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

• North Carolina

• 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

• Illinois – no props allowed on IL teams

• Indiana – pre-game props only

• Iowa – no props allowed for IA teams

• New Jersey – no props allowed for NJ teams

• New Hampshire – no props allowed for NH teams

• Rhode Island – no props allowed for RI teams

• Washington D.C. – no props allowed for D.C. schools

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

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Mississippi

• Ohio

• Oregon

• New York

• Pennsylvania

• South Dakota

• Tennessee

• Vermont

• Virginia

• Washington

• West Virginia

Ohio, Vermont and Maryland were the most recent additions to that list, having removed college player prop betting in 2024. 

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:

1. 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.

2. 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 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:

1. New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island & Washington D.C.: Prohibits betting on in-state college teams and events, aiming to prevent potential conflicts of interest and protect local athletes.

2. Massachusetts: Does not allow betting on in-state teams, unless they are playing in a tournament. 

3. 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.

4. Connecticut: Only allows futures betting on in-state college teams. 

5. 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.

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Sources:

AP News

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