Which states allow NCAA College Basketball Prop Betting?

In the new-look NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) policy era of NCAA sports – since July 1, 2022, student-athletes have been able to profit from their fame – perhaps college basketball players have benefited the most. Unlike college football, where players’ faces are often hidden under helmets and rosters are large, college basketball teams are smaller, and players’ faces are more visible. It's also easier for one player to dominate and heavily influence a team’s outcome.

In this new era, players market themselves through social media, and local sponsorships use athletes in TV commercials or digital ad campaigns. Fans may feel closer to their favorite college basketball players than ever before. As a result of these parasocial relationships, fans may want to bet on player props through sportsbooks, DFS, or DFS 2.0 platforms.

Like college football, college basketball offers a range of betting opportunities, including prop bets, which allow fans to engage with the game by wagering on specific player performances rather than just the outcome. However, the legality of prop betting on NCAA college basketball varies by state, especially after a recent NCAA push to ban them. It's important to know where prop betting is allowed, limited and fully banned.

Understanding player prop betting in college basketball 

Prop betting adds a unique dimension to sports betting, allowing wagers on various in-game events. Unlike traditional betting that focuses on who wins or loses and whether the final score will be over or under a set total, prop bets allow fans to wager on things like how many points a player will score, how many three-pointers a player or team will make or even how many rebounds a superstar will grab. 

In college basketball, where individual performances can significantly affect the outcome of a game, player prop betting offers fans a new way to engage with the action.

Where are college basketball player props allowed?

Currently, 38 states and Washington, D.C. allow legalized sports betting to at least some degree. But when it comes to player prop betting on NCAA college basketball, the rules can differ from other bet types, even between states that allow college sports betting. Some states fully allow prop betting without restrictions, while others impose limitations on in-state teams or events.

Here’s a list of states where prop betting on college basketball is permitted without any restrictions:

• Arkansas

• Kansas

• Kentucky

• Michigan

• Nevada

• North Carolina

• North Dakota

• Wyoming

These states have fully embraced college sports betting, including prop bets, offering a wide range of options for fans and bettors to engage with their favorite teams.

States allowing college basketball prop betting with restrictions

Several states allow college basketball prop betting but place restrictions to safeguard the integrity of college sports or protect in-state athletes. These restrictions typically prohibit prop bets on in-state teams or limit the types of props that bettors can place.

Here’s a breakdown of states where college basketball prop betting is allowed, but with important restrictions:

• Connecticut: No prop bets are allowed on Connecticut college teams.

• Delaware: No prop bets are allowed on Delaware college teams.

• Illinois: No prop bets on Illinois teams.

• Indiana: Only pre-game prop bets are allowed – no live betting props.

• Iowa: No prop bets on Iowa teams.

• Montana: College player prop bets are allowed in retail-only state.

• Nebraska: No prop bets on Nebraska college teams.

• New Jersey: No prop bets are allowed on New Jersey teams.

• New Hampshire: No prop bets are allowed on New Hampshire state events.

• New Mexico: College player props are allowed in the retail-only state.

• North Dakota: Must be on tribal land, but free rein once there. 

• Rhode Island: No prop bets on Rhode Island teams.

• Washington: College player props are allowed on out-of-state teams only.

• Washington D.C.: No prop bets on teams based in D.C.

• Wisconsin: College player props are allowed on out-of-state teams only.

These restrictions are designed to protect local athletes from additional scrutiny and potential manipulation, while still allowing fans to engage in some form of college basketball prop betting.

States that have BANNED college basketball prop betting

While many states have embraced college basketball prop betting, others have banned it altogether. This means that in these states, bettors cannot place any prop bets on NCAA basketball games. The rationale behind these bans often stems from concerns about game integrity and the vulnerability of student-athletes.

Here is a list of states where college basketball player prop betting is prohibited:

• Arizona

• Colorado

• Florida

• Louisiana

• Maine

• Maryland

• Massachusetts

• Mississippi

• New York

• Ohio

• Oregon

• Pennsylvania

• South Dakota

• Tennessee

• Vermont

• Virginia

• West Virginia

Notably, Louisiana, Ohio, Vermont and Maryland recently joined the list in 2024, opting to remove college basketball prop betting from their sportsbooks, at least in part due to urging by the NCAA. These states have emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of college sports and minimize the risks of corruption or undue influence on college athletes. 

Why some states ban college basketball prop betting

There are two primary reasons why certain states ban prop betting on NCAA college basketball:

1. Pressure from the NCAA: The NCAA opposes gambling on college sports to protect the amateur status of student-athletes. It has lobbied against prop betting, citing concerns over game integrity and exploitation of players.
   
   

2. Player and Referee Protection: Prop bets on individual performances can increase scrutiny on players and referees, especially in college games where oversight may be less stringent. A Temple men’s basketball game, for instance, was flagged for wagering irregularities, raising concerns over potential game-fixing. 

Beware of offshore sportsbooks offering college basketball prop bets

While some states restrict or ban prop betting on college basketball, bettors may encounter offshore sportsbooks offering such bets. It is crucial to approach these platforms with caution, as they operate outside U.S. jurisdiction and are not subject to the same regulations and consumer protections. Betting with offshore sportsbooks can result in challenges with payment processing, security issues and limited recourse in case of disputes.

Staying within legal and regulated markets ensures a safer and more secure betting experience for fans.

States prohibiting betting on in-state colleges

In addition to bans on prop betting, some states impose restrictions on betting on in-state college teams altogether. These regulations aim to prevent potential conflicts of interest and protect the integrity of local teams.

Here are the states where betting on in-state college basketball teams is prohibited:

• New Jersey, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island & Washington D.C.: Prohibits betting on in-state college teams and events.

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

• Illinois: Restricts betting on in-state teams, with exceptions for in-person sportsbooks.

• Connecticut: Only futures betting is allowed on in-state teams.

• Delaware, Maine, Nebraska, Oregon, Virginia, South Dakota, Washington & Wisconsin: Prohibit betting on in-state teams.

These restrictions are designed to reduce the risk of corruption, maintain a fair playing field, and protect college athletes from undue pressure.

Sources:

AP News

Gaming Today

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