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NCAA Allows Student-Athletes to Bet on Professional Sports Starting November 1

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 15th 2025 at 23:32 GMT by KSTP-TV

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NCAA’s New Betting Policy: College Athletes Can Bet on Professional Sports Starting November 1

On a Wednesday in late March, the NCAA announced a landmark change to its gambling policy that will let student‑athletes place bets on professional sports while protecting the integrity of college competition. The policy takes effect on Nov. 1 and is a direct response to the shifting legal landscape for sports betting in the United States, as well as to a growing conversation about athlete rights and compensation. In what many observers have called a “significant shift,” the NCAA is now allowing athletes to engage in legal gambling on any professional sporting event—including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, college football and basketball, the X‑Games, mixed‑martial‑arts bouts, boxing matches, and even e‑sports—provided that they meet a handful of compliance requirements and abstain from betting on any NCAA‑sanctioned activity.

What the New Rules Mean for Athletes

According to the NCAA’s official release, the policy clarifies that athletes may place bets only on professional sports, with a clear prohibition on betting on college events, NCAA‑sanctioned competitions, or any sporting activity that involves the athlete’s own team. In addition, athletes must be at least 18 years old in the state where the bet is placed, as required by state law, and they cannot bet on events where they have “insider knowledge” or a direct role—such as a coach or a player for a professional team.

Athletes will still be subject to the same academic and conduct standards that govern all student‑athletes. The policy stresses that a bet on a professional sports event cannot be used as a means to influence the outcome of a game or to compromise academic integrity. “The NCAA’s focus is on maintaining the sanctity of college sport and ensuring that the new policy does not compromise the student‑athlete’s educational or athletic commitments,” said a spokesperson for the organization.

Athletes will also need to sign an acknowledgement that they will adhere to these rules. The NCAA will maintain a database of compliant athletes and will use its compliance office to monitor any breaches. If an athlete is found to be violating the policy, the NCAA says the same sanctions that apply to any other violation of its conduct rules will be enforced—ranging from suspensions to full forfeiture of eligibility, depending on the severity.

The Legal Context: From the Supreme Court to State Law

The policy is part of a larger evolution that began with the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision in Murphy v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, which struck down the federal ban on sports betting that had been in place since the 1970s. In the years since, 30 states have legalized sports betting, and the United States has seen a surge in legal sportsbooks and mobile‑app wagering. The NCAA’s decision to allow betting on professional sports reflects the organization’s attempt to stay current with the legal environment and to provide athletes with the freedom to engage in legal gambling in a regulated manner.

“It’s not a new market for us,” the spokesperson said. “But it’s a new area where we need to provide safeguards.” The NCAA’s official policy document, available on its website, details how the policy aligns with state statutes and clarifies that it does not override any local gambling restrictions.

A Broader Push Toward Athlete Empowerment

While the policy is framed around gambling, it is part of the NCAA’s broader “Athlete Compensation” agenda, which has already opened the door for athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL). In 2023 the NCAA approved the first set of NIL guidelines that allow student‑athletes to sign endorsement deals and receive payment from outside sponsors.

“This is another step in the same direction,” said a representative of the NCAA’s Communications Office. “We’re moving toward a model where student‑athletes can have more agency over their own finances and opportunities.”

Some analysts say that the new policy could be seen as a way to give athletes a potential income source—though they also caution that gambling is a high‑risk activity. The NCAA has made it clear that it is not encouraging athletes to take up betting as a way to earn money. Instead, the organization hopes to provide an educational framework that encourages responsible betting. “The policy will be accompanied by educational materials on responsible gambling and financial literacy,” the NCAA noted.

Potential Concerns and Reactions

Not everyone is convinced that the new policy is a net positive. Critics argue that any gambling activity could lead to addiction and could compromise the focus of student‑athletes on their academic and athletic responsibilities. Others point out that athletes are already navigating an increasingly complex landscape of NIL deals, scholarships, and media contracts, and that gambling could add another layer of risk.

A former athlete‑turned‑coach who has a background in sports marketing, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It’s a slippery slope. We’re already dealing with endorsement deals and brand management. Adding gambling into the mix could potentially be a distraction, especially for younger athletes who may not have the maturity or resources to make informed decisions.”

On the other hand, the policy has been applauded by those who see it as an acknowledgment that the modern athlete’s rights and financial realities are changing. “We’re in the era of athlete empowerment,” said a former college coach who sits on a state athletic commission. “The NCAA is making a move that mirrors what we’re seeing at the professional level.”

How the NCAA Will Enforce the Policy

The NCAA’s compliance office will be the primary agency tasked with enforcing the new rules. Each institution will be required to develop internal procedures to ensure athletes are aware of the policy and understand how to comply. The NCAA has also announced that it will provide a set of educational resources—presentations, videos, and written guides—to help athletes understand the pitfalls of betting.

If a student‑athlete is found to have violated the policy, the institution can file a complaint with the NCAA, which will then investigate. The NCAA’s guidelines state that the enforcement process will be consistent with its broader conduct and integrity policy, meaning that repeated or severe violations could lead to suspension or loss of eligibility.

Looking Ahead

The new policy is expected to be fully operational by Nov. 1, giving colleges and universities time to implement internal compliance measures and to launch educational programs. While the NCAA has set the tone for the policy’s implementation, the true test will come in how well the organization can monitor and enforce the rules and how effectively it can educate athletes about responsible betting.

The NCAA’s decision to allow student‑athletes to bet on professional sports marks a major departure from its long‑standing stance on gambling. While it carries potential benefits for athletes and aligns with a broader trend toward athlete empowerment, it also underscores the need for robust compliance and education. The coming months will reveal whether the NCAA’s approach can balance the interests of the student‑athlete with the integrity of college sport, or whether the policy will spark a larger debate about gambling in collegiate athletics.