NCAA pushes for updated state sports wagering laws

The organization said it seeks to advocate for integrity and protection for student-athletes.

The NCAA will begin advocating for existing sports wagering regulations and laws to be updated. The purpose for the updates is to “to protect student-athletes from harassment or coercion, address the negative impacts of problem gambling and protect the integrity of NCAA competition.”

Part of the NCAA’s involvement in the process included surveying student athletes, as well as communicating with key stakeholders. The NCAA also review regulations and laws around the US to “identify model legislative provisions that it would recommend states pass.”

The NCAA said in a statement, “The provisions are intended to protect student-athletes, coaches, game officials and college sports personnel from harassment and problem gambling and to bolster integrity protections.”

During the past five years, 38 states have passed various laws legalizing sports betting. However, not all of these state laws incorporate integrity provisions and protections for players.

Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Vice Chair Morgyn Wynne said, “We are in a time where student-athlete health and well-being is the main priority. With the legalization of sports betting, it is imperative that we take a proactive approach to protecting student-athletes from the potential of negative engagement with bettors.

“Thirty-eight states have clearly passed 38 different laws, but one thing that needs to be consistent across all is prioritizing the student-athlete experience and preventing harmful activity that jeopardizes the integrity of sports.”

NCAA President Charlie Baker also discussed the organization’s motivation behind advocating for updated regulations and laws.

He commented, “The NCAA is making changes to help student-athletes make smart choices when it comes to sports betting, but given the explosive growth of this new industry, we are eager to partner with lawmakers, regulators and industry leaders to protect student-athletes from harassment and threats.

“Some states have great policies on the books to protect student-athletes from harassment and coercion and to protect the integrity of the games, but as more states pass or amend laws, more needs to be done.” 

Isabella Santos

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Odds never exist in a vacuum. When bettors understand the context behind a line, they’re in a much stronger position to judge its real value.

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