NCAA Weighs Allowing College Athletes to Bet on Pro Sports; cracks down on Game-Fixing
The NCAA is considering a significant shift in its stance on sports wagering, potentially allowing college athletes to bet on professional sports. However, the organization is also intensifying its efforts, alongside federal authorities, to combat game-fixing in college basketball amid rising concerns about the integrity of the sport.
Division I Council to Intentional Pro Sports Wagering Legislation
NCAA officials have directed the Division I Council to consider legislation that would permit college athletes to wager on professional sports.The Division I Board of Directors approved the measure by a vote of 21-1 on April 21, signaling a potential loosening of restrictions [[1](https://www.si.com/college/sources-ncaa-considering-removing-ban-on-pro-sports-betting)].
According to sources, regulations against gambling on college sports would remain in place. The D-1 Council is expected to discuss the issue further, according to *Sports Illustrated*.
The Board of Directors also instructed the league to consider future regulations providing a safe harbor, limiting immunity, or reducing penalties for student-athletes who engage in sports wagering and seek help to discontinue such activity.
Matt Banker, a college athletics consultant with MB Sports Consulting, characterized the potential changes as a “cultural and philosophical recalibration” for college athletics.
“The world of sports wagering looks far different in 2025 than it did even 10 years ago, as it’s now legal in almost 80% of the United States,” Banker said.
NCAA, Federal Authorities Increase Scrutiny of College Basketball Game-Fixing
Even as the NCAA explores relaxing its rules on pro sports wagering, the organization is partnering with federal authorities to address the persistent issue of game-fixing in college basketball.
Federal authorities and NCAA officials have launched investigations into potential game-fixing. some Division I officials have already taken disciplinary actions against men’s basketball teams or players found to have bet on college games or manipulated games for wagering purposes during the 2024-25 season.
Data from the International Betting integrity Association indicates that six games in the U.S. were flagged for suspicious betting patterns in the first three months of this year. This number is pacing ahead of 2024,when eight total games were flagged,including five in the U.S., two in Canada, and one in Mexico.
The NCAA recently expanded its partnership with technology firm Genius Sports. The agreement allows the NCAA to authorize licensed sportsbooks to utilize its trademarks and logos, as well as access official data from championship events, including the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
Here are two PAA (Perhaps Answerable) related questions based on the provided text:
NCAA Weighs Allowing College Athletes to Bet on Pro Sports; Cracks Down on Game-Fixing
The NCAA is considering a meaningful shift in its stance on sports wagering, potentially allowing college athletes to bet on professional sports. However, the institution is also intensifying its efforts, alongside federal authorities, to combat game-fixing in college basketball amid rising concerns about the integrity of the sport.
Division I Council to intentional Pro sports Wagering Legislation
NCAA officials have directed the Division I Council to consider legislation that would permit college athletes to wager on professional sports. The Division I Board of Directors approved the measure by a vote of 21-1 on April 21, signaling a potential loosening of restrictions [[1](https://www.si.com/college/sources-ncaa-considering-removing-ban-on-pro-sports-betting)].
According to sources, regulations against gambling on college sports would remain in place. The D-1 Council is expected to discuss the issue further, according to *Sports Illustrated*.
The Board of Directors also instructed the league to consider future regulations providing a safe harbor, limiting immunity, or reducing penalties for student-athletes who engage in sports wagering and seek help to discontinue such activity.
Matt Banker, a college athletics consultant with MB Sports Consulting, characterized the potential changes as a “cultural and philosophical recalibration” for college athletics.
“The world of sports wagering looks far different in 2025 than it did even 10 years ago, as it’s now legal in almost 80% of the United States,” Banker said.
NCAA, Federal Authorities Increase Scrutiny of College Basketball Game-Fixing
Even as the NCAA explores relaxing its rules on pro sports wagering, the organization is partnering with federal authorities to address the persistent issue of game-fixing in college basketball.
Federal authorities and NCAA officials have launched investigations into potential game-fixing. some Division I officials have already taken disciplinary actions against men’s basketball teams or players found to have bet on college games or manipulated games for wagering purposes during the 2024-25 season.
Data from the International Betting Integrity Association indicates that six games in the U.S. were flagged for suspicious betting patterns in the first three months of this year. This number is pacing ahead of 2024, when eight total games were flagged, including five in the U.S., two in Canada, and one in Mexico.
The NCAA recently expanded its partnership with technology firm Genius sports. The agreement allows the NCAA to authorize licensed sportsbooks to utilize its trademarks and logos, and also access official data from championship events, including the men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
NCAA and Sports Wagering: Q&A
Q: What exactly is the NCAA considering changing?
A: The NCAA is considering allowing college athletes to bet on professional sports.However, they will likely maintain the ban on betting on college sports.
Q: Why is the NCAA considering this change?
A: The landscape of sports wagering has changed dramatically. With it being legalized in almost 80% of the United States, the NCAA is rethinking its approach to align with the evolving legal and cultural environment.
Q: What about the risks of gambling?
A: The NCAA is aware of the risks and is also working on regulations to support student-athletes who may struggle with gambling. This includes potentially offering a “safe harbor” or reduced penalties for those who seek help.
Q: What is game-fixing, and how is the NCAA addressing it?
A: Game-fixing is when a game’s outcome is intentionally manipulated for betting purposes.The NCAA is partnering with federal authorities to investigate and take disciplinary action against those involved. They are also using technology and data from companies like Genius Sports to monitor betting patterns and identify suspicious activity.
Q: What is the role of Genius Sports in all this?
A: Genius Sports provides the NCAA with data and technology to monitor betting activities and identify potential game-fixing.This includes access to official data from major tournaments, helping ensure the integrity of the games.
Q: What should a student athlete do if they have a gambling problem?
A: The NCAA is planning to provide access to resources that help student athletes who have gambling problems.
Q: What is the status of the proposed legislation?
A: The Division I Council is currently reviewing the proposed legislation. The Board of Directors has approved the measure.
The NCAA’s dual approach — considering loosening restrictions on pro sports betting while cracking down on game-fixing — reflects the complex challenges of the modern sports landscape. Stay informed as these changes evolve and impact college athletics.
