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NCAA Bans Student-Athletes and Staff From Betting on Professional Sports to Protect Integrity
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Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 23rd 2025 at 19:37 GMT by The Associated Press- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
NCAA Tightens Rules on Betting Amid Growing Gambling Scandals
In a decisive response to a spate of high‑profile gambling controversies that have put college sports under the microscope, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) announced that it will no longer permit student‑athletes or athletic‑department staff to place wagers on professional sporting events. The move, unveiled in a policy update published on Monday, is part of a broader effort to protect the integrity of collegiate competition and to align the organization’s conduct standards with the increasing scrutiny from regulators, law enforcement, and the public.
Why the NCAA Is Acting Now
The NCAA’s new ban comes on the heels of a series of incidents that have highlighted the vulnerability of college athletes to the lure of sports betting. In the spring, the FBI released an investigative report detailing how a network of former college athletes was involved in a multi‑year scheme that profited from insider information on professional basketball games. In addition, a recent court case in which a former college baseball player was found guilty of attempting to manipulate game outcomes underscored the broader threat of gambling‑related corruption in amateur sports.
While the NCAA has long prohibited athletes from betting on college and high‑school games—most recently tightening its policies in 2016 to make violations punishable by suspension or expulsion—the new rule specifically targets professional sports, a category that previously was largely left unregulated within the organization’s framework. “We have never been able to monitor betting activity that occurs outside the NCAA’s jurisdiction, and we cannot accept that risk,” said NCAA Commissioner Mark Emmert in a statement. “Our student‑athletes are at risk of being enticed by the allure of quick money, and that undermines the foundation of fair play upon which the NCAA stands.”
Key Provisions of the New Rule
Total Ban on Professional Sports Betting
Student‑athletes, coaches, and any other staff associated with an NCAA member institution may not place wagers on professional sports—including the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), National Hockey League (NHL), Major League Soccer (MLS), and professional golf and tennis tournaments. The ban extends to any betting activity carried out via online platforms, sportsbooks, or betting exchanges.Monitoring and Enforcement
Member schools will be required to submit a yearly compliance report to the NCAA Office of Student‑Athlete Development. These reports will detail any known violations, as well as corrective measures taken. The NCAA will also partner with state regulators and the U.S. Department of Justice to cross‑reference any public records of betting violations against student‑athlete names.Education and Prevention Programs
The NCAA will fund a nationwide educational campaign called “Play Clean, Stay Safe.” The program will provide workshops, webinars, and digital resources that explain the risks associated with sports betting, the potential for legal and academic repercussions, and the importance of maintaining a clean competitive environment. The campaign will also feature former athletes who share personal stories about how gambling lures can derail careers.Penalties for Violations
Violations of the new policy will trigger a tiered disciplinary system. Minor infractions—such as a single instance of betting on a professional game—will result in a suspension for a minimum of one semester, mandatory counseling, and a probationary period. Repeated or more serious violations can lead to dismissal from the athletic program, forfeiture of scholarships, and permanent bans from NCAA competition.
The Bigger Picture: NCAA and the Growing Gambling Landscape
The NCAA’s latest move reflects a growing national conversation about the role of legalized sports betting. Since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to strike down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), 30 states have authorized sports betting, and the number of legal sportsbooks has surged. While the legalization of betting has generated revenue streams for states and provided entertainment for fans, it has also raised concerns about the integrity of amateur sports.
In an interview with the Associated Press, NCAA Vice‑President for Student‑Athlete Development, Dr. Kimberly Stiles, noted that the organization is “building a new culture of transparency and trust.” She added that “the NCAA must proactively mitigate risks before they become scandals.”
Reactions from Stakeholders
College Coaches and Athletic Directors
Many coaching staff are supportive of the policy, emphasizing that it will help preserve the academic and athletic focus of student‑athletes. “We’re already worried about how a quick bet can distract from a semester’s worth of work,” said Tom Hernandez, head coach of the University of Texas‑Austin men’s basketball team. “This rule gives us a clear line of defense.”
Student‑Athletes
While the policy is largely welcomed, some athletes express concern about the practical enforcement of the ban. “It’s hard to know if I’m violating something if I don’t understand the fine lines,” admitted junior pitcher Tyler Brooks, who said the NCAA will need to provide clear guidance on how the ban applies to “parlay” bets or wagers made through friends.
Regulators and Law Enforcement
The U.S. Department of Justice, which has been actively investigating sports betting-related fraud, welcomed the NCAA’s updated policy. “The NCAA’s proactive stance strengthens the front line of our national efforts to curb illegal gambling and protect vulnerable populations,” said DOJ spokesperson Angela R. Patel.
Sports Betting Companies
Major sportsbooks like FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM issued a joint statement acknowledging the NCAA’s rule. While they affirmed compliance, they also highlighted their own efforts to promote responsible gambling among consumers. “We are dedicated to fostering a safe betting environment and will continue to collaborate with the NCAA on educational initiatives,” the statement read.
Looking Ahead
The NCAA’s decision to extend its betting ban to professional sports represents a significant shift in the organization’s regulatory approach. The policy, effective immediately, is slated to be reviewed in 2025, with potential amendments based on the evolving legal landscape and emerging research on sports‑betting impacts. As the gambling industry continues to expand, the NCAA’s leadership in setting clear, enforceable standards will be crucial in preserving the integrity and reputation of college athletics.
For those interested in the legal and regulatory context of this move, the NCAA has provided links to the federal “Sports Betting Legalization” report from the U.S. Department of Justice, as well as the full text of the policy update on the NCAA’s official website. These resources outline the jurisdictional scope of the ban and offer guidance on compliance for member institutions.
In a world where the lines between professional and amateur sports are increasingly blurred, the NCAA’s latest initiative underscores its commitment to maintaining a level playing field—both literally and figuratively—for student‑athletes nationwide.
Read the Full The Associated Press Article at:
[ https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nba/ncaa-wont-allow-athletes-or-athletic-department-staff-to-bet-on-pro-sports-amid-gambling-scandals/ar-AA1QUvyz ]
