Is it legal to bet on 2024-25 NCAA College Basketball?
Published:
Oct 22, 2024
,
04:54 p.m.
ET
The 2024-25 NCAA Men's College Basketball season tips off on November 4, 2024, bringing excitement with top storylines like UConn’s quest for a three-peat, the rise of young prospects like Cooper Flagg at Duke University and how conference realignment impacts the traditional power structure.
As college basketball season begins, many fans are wondering about the legality of betting on NCAA games. Betting on college sports is legal in many states, but there are some key factors to keep in mind, including with player props.
Who can bet on the NCAA Men’s College Basketball in the United States?
Betting laws on NCAA college basketball differ widely across the U.S., with varying degrees of restrictions. Some states have fully embraced college sports betting, while others impose more specific limitations, particularly around betting on in-state teams or events. Below is a breakdown of the regulations by group.
1. States with Full College Sports Betting
In these states, you can bet on college basketball with no major restrictions: Nevada, New Jersey, Colorado, Iowa, Indiana, West Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania and Michigan
These states allow both betting on in-state teams and player prop bets. This means fans of local teams can place wagers on games without restrictions, including individual player performances. Nevada, for example, offers a full range of betting options, from point spreads to player props.
2. States That Prohibit Betting on In-State College Teams
In these locations, you can bet on NCAA college basketball, but not on games involving in-state teams: New York, New Jersey, Illinois, Virginia, Washington D.C.,and Rhode Island
For example, while you can bet on NCAA tournament games involving out-of-state teams in New York, betting on games that feature Syracuse or other New York-based schools is prohibited. The same applies to states like New Jersey, where you can’t wager on Rutgers or Seton Hall.
3. States with Broad Restrictions on College Betting
Some states allow college sports betting, but with more limitations beyond just in-state teams: Oregon, Delaware, South Dakota, New Hampshire, Washington D.C. and Wisconsin
These states might restrict the types of college games you can bet on (e.g., restricting certain in-state games) or limit which types of bets are available. For example, in Oregon, bettors are limited to specific college games through the state-run sportsbook.
Can you bet on NCAA college basketball player props?
Betting on individual player performances, known as "props," can be tricky when it comes to college basketball. The same restrictions apply as with college football prop bets — in many states, player props for NCAA athletes are prohibited.
States with Player Prop Restrictions
Certain states prohibit college player prop bets entirely, citing concerns about the impact on amateur athletes: New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Virginia, Colorado and Washington.
In these states you can bet on the outcome of games, but props such as betting on how many points a specific player might score or how many rebounds they might get are prohibited. These restrictions are designed to protect college athletes.
There has been a push by the NCAA to ban player props entirely, citing concerns about the vulnerability of young athletes to outside influences. After some initial wins with states like Ohio, Vermont, Maryland and Louisiana instituting bans, momentum for the NCAA's push has slowed. For now, whether you can bet on college player props will depend on where you are.
Avoid offshore sportsbooks and bookies
Though it might be tempting to use offshore sportsbooks or modern-day local bookies for their unrestricted college sports betting markets, they are both unregulated and pose significant risks. You’ll have no legal protection if something goes wrong — whether it’s delayed payouts or unfair practices — and there’s no guarantee the site will honor your winnings.
It’s always safer to stick with licensed, legal sportsbooks, which are regulated and required to follow strict consumer protection laws.
Be wary of sweepstakes gambling operators
Sweepstakes-based betting operators are becoming more popular, especially in states like Texas and California where traditional sports betting hasn’t been legalized. While these platforms often appear legitimate, they operate in a legal gray area. For more on this issue, you can read our full article on the crackdown on sweepstakes betting.
If you do decide to use these platforms, be sure to read the fine print and understand how they operate.
Betting the 2024-25 NCAA basketball season smartly, responsibly
When betting on the 2024-25 NCAA College Basketball season, it’s crucial to bet responsibly. Be sure to learn and remember these tips:
1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
Establish a betting budget before the season starts and stick to it. Only bet with money you can afford to lose, and avoid chasing losses by increasing your bets.
2. Limit the Number of Bets
Betting on too many college basketball games can lead to quick losses. Focus on games where you’ve done your research, and limit the number of bets you place to avoid significant risk.
3. Understand the Teams and Matchups
Research each team, their performance trends, injuries and playing styles. Don’t rely solely on hype or fan loyalty — analyze stats and make informed decisions.
4. Avoid Emotional Betting
If you’re a die-hard fan of a certain team, avoid placing bets on their games unless you can do so objectively. Emotional bets often cloud judgment and lead to poor decisions.
5. Know the Betting Market
Familiarize yourself with the different types of bets available, such as moneyline, point spreads, totals (over/under) and futures. Understand how odds work to maximize your potential returns.
6. Track Your Bets
Keep a record of all the bets you place, including the amounts wagered and the outcomes. This helps you identify patterns and stay accountable to your budget.
7. Don’t bet if you aren’t sober
Alcohol and gambling don’t mix. Making betting decisions while intoxicated can lead to reckless picks and impulsive wagering. Make sure you have a fully clear mind when placing bets.
8. Use Reputable Sportsbooks
Only place bets with licensed, regulated sportsbooks. Avoid offshore bookies or unlicensed betting platforms that can operate outside of legal protections.
9. Know When to Walk Away
If betting is starting to affect your mood, relationships, or finances, it’s time to take a break. Setting time limits for your betting sessions can help keep it a fun and recreational activity.
Specialized Gambling Addiction Treatment
For those who may be struggle with gambling addiction, there are specialized treatment options available. If betting stops being fun and starts affecting your life negatively, specialized treatment providers like Birches Health offer help and resources to help you recover.
If you want to connect with Birches Health, there are multiple options:
