Thu, October 09, 2025
NCAA set to allow student athletes and athletic staff to place bets on professional sports
The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) – the governing body for college sports in the U.S. - may soon allow student athletes and staff to bet on professional sports. Previously, student athletes and staff have been banned from betting on any sport, professional or collegiate, that was sponsored by the NCAA. Betting on college sport will continue to be prohibited, but they may soon be allowed to place bets on professional sport.
It has become increasingly difficult to implement the old policy given the expansion of sports betting within the U.S. The Division I - the highest division of intercollegiate sport - Administrative Committee approved the change. If the lower NCAA Divisions II and III also approve the proposal, this will be brought into effect on November 1. The NCAA has stated that is not endorsing sports betting and that it remains concerned with the risks associated with gambling.
Josh Whitman, Chair of the Division I Administrative Committee, stated:
“This change allows the NCAA, the conferences, and the member schools to focus on protecting the integrity of college games while, at the same time, encouraging healthy habits for student-athletes who choose to engage in betting activities on professional sports.”
Dr. Deena Casiero, Chief Medical Officer of the NCAA, stated:
“Abstinence-only approaches to social challenges for college-aged individuals are often not as successful as approaches that focus on education about risks and open dialogue…
The NCAA will continue to collaborate with schools to help them provide student-athletes with meaningful education and other resources for student-athletes who choose to participate in betting on professional sports. This harm reduction approach gives schools an opportunity to help student-athletes make educated decisions, prevent risky behaviour and seek support without fear of impacting their eligibility.”
