Can you bet on the Heisman Trophy winner in NCAA Football?
Author:
Zach Lutz
Reviewed by:
Published:
Dec 5, 2024
,
06:31 p.m.
ET
Betting on the Heisman Trophy winner is one of the most popular “futures” bets in football. With standout candidates and surprises every year, fans eagerly follow their favorites through the season. This year is no exception, with big names like Colorado’s versatile two-way star Travis Hunter, playing exceptional on both sides of the ball. Players like Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, Miami quarterback Cam Ward and Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders could also be finalists, though their odds have shifted dramatically in recent weeks.
But as intriguing as it is to wager on the next Heisman winner, the legality of such bets depends on where you live. With sports betting now legal in 38 states (soon to be 39 with Missouri pending) plus Washington, D.C., understanding the rules for betting on college football awards is crucial before putting money on the line. Here’s a detailed look at the legal landscape for Heisman Trophy betting.
Which states allow betting on the Heisman Trophy winner?
As of 2024, most states where sports betting is legal allow wagering on individual collegiate awards, such as the Heisman Trophy. However, six states explicitly ban bets on these awards:
Connecticut
Massachusetts
Virginia
Vermont
Colorado
New York
These bans stem from concerns about fairness and transparency since the Heisman is decided by voting, not on-field results. Interestingly, Connecticut allows collegiate player prop betting but prohibits wagering on individual awards like the Heisman.
In contrast, some states like Arizona, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi (retail betting only), Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee allow Heisman betting but ban player props for college games. If you're in one of these states, you can place a futures bet on the Heisman winner, but you won’t be able to wager on individual player stats during games.
For states that fully allow Heisman betting, sportsbooks typically release odds after the previous season concludes. Early bets on underdog candidates can yield significant payouts, but with the unpredictability of college football, bettors should tread carefully.
Age requirements for betting on the Heisman winner
In most states, the legal age for sports betting is 21. This aligns with other age-restricted activities like alcohol consumption. However, a few states permit betting at 18, including:
Kentucky
Montana
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Washington, D.C.
Wyoming
Whether you’re 18 or 21, responsible gambling is crucial. Futures bets, especially on awards like the Heisman, carry long odds and significant risk.
Which states don’t allow College Football props? Is the Heisman Trophy winner considered a prop?
While the Heisman Trophy winner is classified as a futures bet, not a prop, the two categories are often conflated. Prop bets focus on specific game events, like the number of touchdowns a player will score. In contrast, the Heisman bet falls under “awards,” settled by voting outcomes.
Several states ban all college player props, citing concerns about integrity and protecting student-athletes. These states include:
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Ohio
Oregon
New York
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
West Virginia
Even in states where prop betting on college sports is allowed, restrictions vary. For example, New Jersey permits bets on out-of-state college teams but bans wagers on in-state teams or events held in the state.
The NCAA has actively campaigned for bans on college prop betting, arguing that such wagers could expose players to harassment or undue pressure. This has led to growing momentum among lawmakers to tighten restrictions, with New Jersey recently considering a ban on all college player props.
Massachusetts is among the states that take a particularly cautious stance on college sports betting. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) does not permit wagering on college awards like the Heisman Trophy or the Wooden Award.
The state’s sports-betting regulations prohibit wagers tied to individual college athletes’ performance, regardless of whether they play for an in-state team like Boston College or an out-of-state program.
Key details of the Massachusetts policy include:
Bettors cannot place wagers on Massachusetts college teams winning their conference, individual college awards, or in-state college teams before they qualify for a tournament.
Bets on tournament-related events (e.g., March Madness) involving Massachusetts teams are allowed only once those teams have qualified.
Wagering on certain pre-determined events, such as the Beanpot Hockey Tournament, is permitted.
This decision aims to shield student-athletes from potential pressure or harassment due to gambling-related outcomes. However, the prohibition on awards like the Heisman sparked debate, as it is not a state-specific outcome and Massachusetts allows betting on other awards, such as the NFL MVP. While the MGC could revisit the issue in the future, for now, college awards remain off-limits to bettors.
Bettor beware: Never use bookies or offshore sportsbooks
The rise of legal sports betting means there’s no need to resort to illegal bookies or offshore sportsbooks. These unregulated platforms lack consumer protections, putting bettors at risk of fraud, identity theft, or non-payment of winnings.
Legal sportsbooks provide transparency, accountability and security, ensuring your bets are placed in a safe environment. If you’re considering betting on the Heisman Trophy winner, stick to regulated options in your state.
For more on the risks of illegal betting, check out our resources on Bookies & Pay-Per-Head Sportsbooks and Offshore Sportsbooks.
Gambling addiction support and treatment
While betting on the Heisman Trophy can be exciting, it’s essential to recognize the risks. Gambling addiction is a serious issue that can affect anyone. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available.
Birches Health offers specialized services for gambling addiction, highlighted by:
Personalized care plans
Virtual treatment from the comfort of home
Covered by insurance, with $0 out-of-pocket costs for many patients
To take the first step, you can:
You can also call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to connect directly with the Birches team.
