Is it legal to bet on College Football? 2024 Season Overview
Published:
Aug 27, 2024
,
09:34 a.m.
ET
A cornerstone of American sports culture, college football brings tailgate energy, a crisp fall atmosphere and pageantry to every Saturday. Millions of fans tune in every late summer and fall weekend to cheer on their favorite teams. The thrill of college gameday tends to extend beyond the field, as many fans engage in betting on the outcomes of games.
With 2024 college football season already underway, with a massive Week 0 upset of #10 Florida State in Dublin, it's essential to understand the legal landscape surrounding college football betting. This article will explore where it's legal to bet on college football, who can participate and the risks involved.
Which states allow betting on College Football?
Since the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), legal sports betting has expanded rapidly across the country. As of August 2024, there are 38 states and Washington D.C. with legalized sports betting, including allowing wagers on college football games. However, the legal landscape continues to evolve, with some new states entering the arena since the last season.
This year, Vermont and North Carolina have joined the ranks of states where betting on college football is legal. Kentucky launched its legal sports betting market in late September of 2023, just in time for the meat of the college football season. North Carolina, a state that is home to notable programs UNC, NC State, Wake Forest, Duke, East Carolina and Appalachian State, expanded its sports betting options in early 2024. These additions mean that more fans than ever can legally bet on college football games this season.
Some states prohibit betting on in-state college teams or events held within the state. While there are slight differences in the details between these states, this list includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, Virginia, South Dakota, Washington, Wisconsin, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island & Washington D.C.
In contrast, others allow betting on in-state teams but may restrict certain types of bets, such as in-play betting or player props. The list of states that allow player prop betting with zero restrictions is small: Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina and Wyoming. Before placing any bets, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in your state. For more details, you can check out this overview of College Football Prop Betting.
How old do you have to be to bet on NCAA football?
The minimum age for sports betting varies from state to state, with most states setting the legal betting age at 21. This age requirement aligns with other activities that require a high level of responsibility, such as drinking alcohol or purchasing firearms.
However, there are exceptions. In some states, the minimum age for sports betting is 18. States with an 18-year minimum age for sports betting include Montana, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Washington D.C. Whether you’re 18 or 21, it’s important to understand the risks involved and to gamble responsibly.
Who is not allowed to bet on College Football?
While many fans can legally bet on college football, certain individuals are prohibited from doing so, regardless of age or location. This prohibition primarily applies to those directly involved in the sport, such as players, coaches, team staff and game officials. The NCAA has strict rules against gambling for anyone affiliated with college sports, and violations can result in severe penalties, including suspensions, fines and even permanent bans from the sport. This is also why many states ban betting on in-state programs.
Additionally, university staff, athletic department employees and individuals with access to insider information are also barred from betting on college sports. These rules are in place to preserve the integrity of the game and to prevent conflicts of interest that could compromise the outcome of a match.
Which states allow NCAA Football props? Which locations ban them?
Prop betting, or betting on specific events within a game (such as the number of touchdowns a player will score), is a popular form of wagering in professional sports. However, when it comes to college football, the rules around prop betting vary significantly by state.
As of 2024, several states have banned prop betting on college sports altogether, citing concerns about the potential for corruption and the impact on amateur athletes. Here are the states that do not permit prop bets on college games:
Arizona
Colorado
Florida
Louisiana
Maryland
Massachusetts
Mississippi
Ohio
Oregon
New York
Pennsylvania
South Dakota
Tennessee
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
The NCAA has been vocal in its opposition to prop betting on college sports. NCAA President Charlie Baker has been advocating for a ban on prop bets at the federal level, citing the need to protect student-athletes from undue pressure and influence. As the debate continues, it’s essential for bettors to stay informed about the legal status of prop betting in their state.
Warning: Never use bookies or offshore sportsbooks
With the expansion of legal sports betting, there’s no reason to resort to illegal methods like using bookies or offshore sportsbooks. These unregulated platforms often lack the consumer protections provided by legal sportsbooks, putting bettors at risk of fraud, identity theft and non-payment of winnings. Moreover, participating in illegal betting is against the law and can result in severe penalties.
For a deeper understanding of the risks associated with these practices, check out Birches Health’s resources on modern Bookies & pay-per-head sportsbooks and offshores.
Risks of betting on the 2024 College Football season
While betting on college football can add excitement to the season, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved. Financial loss and gambling addiction pose serious risks, particularly with the ease of online betting and the availability of mobile apps. Even the most knowledgeable college football fans can’t sustain successful picks. These are still 18-22-year-old kids, and many will be going pro in something other than sports.
Bettors should also be cautious of making uninformed bets, as the wide scope of college football games, which involves 134 FBS programs, creates greater unpredictability than the NFL, which has 32 teams. College football injury news may be harder to come by, and with more tiers, gaps in talent and more playstyles from team to team and conference to conference than the NFL, college football betting has plenty of variables to account for. Additionally, the rise of illegal betting platforms further increases the risk of fraud and other negative consequences.
The nonstop action on Saturdays, including West coast and Hawaii time zone games, means there’s almost always another opportunity to bet. That can be particularly dangerous for bettors who tend to “chase losses,” which entails betting more in hopes of winning back what was lost. This can lead to compounding losses of amounts that may not have seemed possible. Therefore, it’s critical to never chase losses and stay disciplined with bankroll management.
Specialized help is available for gambling problems
If you or someone you know may be struggling with gambling addiction, help is available. Birches Health offers specialized services to support those dealing with gambling issues. The Birches approach includes individualized care plans, telehealth services and $0 out-of-pocket costs for many patients, making it easier for you to get the help you need.
At Birches Health, there are several options to take the first step toward recovery:
You can also simply call 833-483-3838 or email hello@bircheshealth.com to get in touch directly with the Birches team.
By understanding the legal landscape and being aware of the risks, you can enjoy the 2024 college football season responsibly and stay informed about your betting choices.
