The repeal of PASPA in 2018 has led to the legalisation of sports betting in 38 states. However, the NCAA is concerned that not all of these states have adequate provisions to protect its players and maintain integrity in the games. As a result, the NCAA is urging for improved laws and has developed model legislative provisions to be included in state legislation. These provisions aim to safeguard NCAA players, coaches, officials, and college personnel from harassment and problem gambling, as well as enhance integrity protections.
To ensure the inclusion of these provisions, the NCAA will collaborate with lawmakers in states seeking to legalise sports wagering. While these recommended provisions are already present in at least one state, the lack of uniformity across all states’ laws creates an uneven playing field and puts student-athletes at risk. NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasises the need for partnerships with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders to shield student-athletes from harassment and threats.
The NCAA has outlined several proposals for gambling harm protection. These include the establishment of a mandatory reporting hotline for gambling authorities to report harassment or coercive behaviour to law enforcement. Additionally, the NCAA advocates for stricter penalties for bettors who harass student-athletes and mandatory education for operators to identify such misconduct. The NCAA also calls for regulations to identify prohibited bettors and restrict individuals under 21 from participating in sports wagering.
In terms of betting advertising, the NCAA recommends that ads should contain information about the hotline, problem gambling, and prohibitions on harassment. Furthermore, the organization suggests that a portion of the revenue from sports wagering should be allocated to gambling harm education.
Morgyn Wynne, Vice-Chair of the Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, highlights the importance of prioritising the student-athlete experience and preventing harmful activities that compromise the integrity of sports. Wynne stresses the need for consistency across all states in protecting student-athletes amidst the legalisation of sports betting.
In related news, the Division I Council plans to review guidelines for reinstating student-athletes involved in sports betting. To reflect the current wagering environment, the council and the Division I Student-Athlete Reinstatement and Legislative Committee will reconsider the penalties for student-athletes who engage in sports wagering, excluding bets on their own teams. The review aims to ensure that penalties align with the circumstances of each offence.
Preliminary draft guidelines recommend eliminating penalties for players on their first offence, provided they undergo education on sports wagering rules. A penalty would be avoided on the second offence, depending on the bet’s value. However, on the third occasion, a player may face a one-year ban from competing in the NCAA.
The review process is expected to conclude by mid-October, with a final Council Coordination Committee vote taking place by the end of the month.
NCAA President Charlie Baker articulates the association’s commitment to prioritising student-athlete well-being and modernising its approach to sports wagering. Baker emphasises advocacy efforts through state and federal legislators to reduce harassment from bettors and enhance education to prevent problem gambling among students.
