NCAA and the High Rate of Gambling on College Basketball

Confronting the high rate of NCAA basketball gambling. Explore regulations, risks, and strategies to protect student-athletes.

Leora B.H. Staff

May 21, 2024

NCAA and Sports Betting

The NCAA, as the governing body for college sports in the United States, faces the challenge of addressing the high rate of gambling among college students, particularly in relation to college basketball.

High Rate of Gambling Among College Students

College students, including those who are NCAA athletes, have shown a significant interest in sports betting. More than half of college-age students reported having bet on sports at least once in the previous year, indicating a high rate of gambling among this demographic group.

This prevalence of sports betting among college students raises concerns about the potential negative consequences it can have on their well-being, academic performance, and the integrity of college sports. The NCAA recognizes the need to address this issue proactively.

NCAA Initiatives to Address Sports Betting Challenges

To combat the challenges posed by the rise in sports betting and to protect student-athletes, the NCAA has implemented various initiatives.

The NCAA has launched an anti-social media harassment pilot program, aiming to address online harassment and threats directed towards student-athletes. This program emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and respectful environment for athletes to compete and excel.

Education plays a vital role in preventing the negative consequences of sports betting. The NCAA has partnered with EPIC Risk Management to develop education initiatives. These initiatives aim to raise awareness among student-athletes about the risks and harms of problem gambling and the impact it can have on their personal lives and the integrity of college sports.

To reach a wide audience, the NCAA has launched a sports betting e-learning module. This module is designed to educate over 500,000 current and prospective student-athletes about the dangers of problem gambling and the risks that sports betting poses to the integrity of their games.

Furthermore, the NCAA actively engages in integrity monitoring and advocacy efforts with state and federal lawmakers. These efforts aim to update existing state sports betting laws and regulations to safeguard student-athletes from harassment or coercion, address the negative impacts of problem gambling, and protect the integrity of NCAA competition.

By implementing these initiatives, the NCAA is taking proactive steps to educate student-athletes, raise awareness about the risks of sports betting, and protect the integrity of college sports. These efforts contribute to creating a safe and fair environment for student-athletes to compete and succeed both on and off the field.

Impact on Student-Athletes

The high rate of gambling on college basketball within the NCAA has significant implications for student-athletes. The NCAA has implemented regulations to address sports betting and protect the integrity of college sports. Student-athletes must adhere to these regulations to avoid legal risks and potential consequences for violating betting rules.

NCAA Regulations on Sports Betting

The NCAA is actively working to update existing state sports betting laws and regulations to safeguard student-athletes from harassment or coercion, address the negative impacts of problem gambling, and protect the integrity of NCAA competition. It is important to note that NCAA rules take precedence over state gambling restrictions, meaning student-athletes must always follow NCAA rules to protect their eligibility to compete, even if state law makes betting permissible.

Legal Risks for Athletes

The legalization of sports betting has introduced legal risks for student-athletes. State laws now often subject college athletes to greater punishment, and in some cases, criminalize wagering by athletes. These legal risks are new since the advent of legalized betting six years ago. However, it is worth noting that most university athletic departments in states where gambling is allowed do not explicitly address the new legal risks of sports betting in their policies. Only a small number of schools have policies that explicitly warn student-athletes of potential legal consequences.

Consequences for Violating Betting Rules

When a student-athlete violates sport wagering prohibitions, they may face severe consequences. The penalties for violating NCAA betting rules can result in the loss of part or all of their athletic eligibility. The Committee on Student-Athlete Reinstatement will review each case individually, and penalties will be determined on a case-by-case basis, as detailed in the division's specific reinstatement guidelines [2].

To protect themselves and maintain their eligibility, student-athletes must be aware of and adhere to the NCAA's regulations on sports betting. It is essential for athletes to understand the potential legal risks associated with gambling and the severe consequences that can result from violating betting rules. By staying informed and following the guidelines set forth by the NCAA, student-athletes can navigate the challenges posed by the high rate of gambling on college basketball while safeguarding their athletic eligibility.

Preventing Point Shaving

Point shaving, the act of manipulating the score of a game to influence the outcome for gambling purposes, has been a persistent issue in NCAA Men's Basketball for several decades. Understanding the history of point shaving, implementing effective policies to deter such activities, and proposing strategies to combat point shaving are crucial steps in maintaining the integrity of college basketball.

History of Point Shaving in NCAA

Point shaving in NCAA Men's Basketball has been a recurring problem for the last 50 years, with notable cases occurring at various schools, including City College of New York, Boston College, Tulane, Arizona State, Northwestern, University of Toledo, and University of San Diego. It is estimated that approximately 6 percent of strong favorites have engaged in point shaving activities, resulting in gambling-related corruption in around 1 percent of games, or over 30 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball games per year. Notably, senior players have been found to be more involved in point shaving incidents, with 76.9 percent of players listed in point-shaving scandals being seniors at the time of the corruption.

Policies to Deter Point Shaving

The NCAA has implemented various policies to detect and deter point shaving in college basketball. These policies include federal laws against bribery and conspiracy, banning athletes convicted of conspiracy, and loss of NCAA eligibility. However, the effectiveness of these policies is limited due to the low detection rate and the decreasing deterrence leverage over players, especially those in their senior year [4].

Proposed Strategies to Combat Point Shaving

To further deter point shaving in NCAA Men's Basketball, innovative strategies can be considered. One potential policy proposal involves converting a player's athletic scholarship into a market-rate student loan retroactively if malfeasance is detected. By increasing the cost of malfeasance for senior players, this strategy aims to decrease the incidence of point shaving and provide a stronger deterrent against such activities.

By understanding the history of point shaving in NCAA, implementing effective policies to deter such activities, and considering innovative strategies to combat point shaving, the NCAA can work towards safeguarding the integrity of college basketball. These efforts are crucial in maintaining fair and honest competition, protecting the interests of student-athletes, and upholding the values and reputation of the sport.

Educational Efforts and Research

To address the high rate of gambling on college basketball, the NCAA has implemented various educational efforts and conducted research to better understand the problem and its impact on student-athletes.

NCAA's Educational Resources

The NCAA recognizes the importance of education in combating the issue of gambling in college sports. As part of their efforts, the NCAA provides educational resources specifically designed for member schools and student-athletes. These resources include in-person campus sessions that focus on sports wagering awareness, protecting competition integrity, gambling addiction/harm, and student-athlete well-being [5].

By offering these educational sessions, the NCAA aims to equip student-athletes with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions regarding sports wagering. The sessions also emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity of collegiate sports and highlight the potential consequences of engaging in gambling activities.

Research on Student-Athlete Gambling Behavior

To gain a deeper understanding of the issue, the NCAA has commissioned research studies on student-athlete gambling behavior. One study conducted in 2012 revealed that a significant percentage of student-athletes engage in gambling. According to the study, 57 percent of male student-athletes and 39 percent of female student-athletes reported gambling in some form during the past year.

Of particular concern is the subset of student-athletes who engage in sports gambling. Approximately 26 percent of male student-athletes admitted to betting money on sports, with 8 percent engaging in sports gambling at least monthly. These findings emphasize the need for proactive measures to address the issue and protect student-athletes from the potential pitfalls of gambling.

Impact of Problem Gambling on College Athletes

Problem gambling among college athletes can have serious consequences. Financial troubles, strained relationships, compromised academic performance, and mental health issues are some of the potential outcomes associated with problem gambling. Although the percentage of student-athletes exhibiting signs of problem gambling is relatively small (1.9 percent of male student-athletes and 0.2 percent of female student-athletes), the NCAA recognizes the importance of addressing this issue to protect the well-being of student-athletes [6].

Research has shown that student-athletes are influenced by various factors when it comes to gambling behavior. Coaches and teammates often play a significant role as primary influencers, while external factors such as advertising also impact their decision-making process. By understanding these influences, the NCAA can develop targeted educational programs and interventions to mitigate the risks associated with gambling among college athletes.

Through their educational resources and research efforts, the NCAA aims to raise awareness, provide support, and promote responsible decision-making regarding sports wagering among student-athletes. Additionally, the NCAA advocates for updated state laws and regulations related to sports betting to protect student-athletes from harassment, coercion, and other negative impacts of problem gambling.

State Regulations and NCAA Compliance

In addressing the high rate of gambling on college basketball, it is essential to examine the relationship between state regulations and NCAA compliance. As sports betting becomes legalized in more states, the NCAA and its member institutions must navigate the complexities of state laws while upholding their own regulations to ensure compliance and protect student-athletes.

State Laws on Sports Betting

Currently, 38 states have legalized sports betting, but the specifics of each state's laws vary. While some states permit sports betting, the majority explicitly restrict athletes from participating in gambling activities, including betting on sports events. Additionally, six states have "clear criminal penalties" for athletes or other prohibited individuals who place bets.

For instance, in South Dakota, it is considered a felony for athletes to bet on events in which they or their teams are participating. These state laws often subject athletes to more severe consequences than just losing NCAA eligibility [3].

NCAA's Advocacy for Updated Regulations

While state laws may permit certain forms of sports betting, NCAA rules take precedence over these state restrictions. This means that student-athletes must always abide by NCAA rules to maintain their eligibility to compete, regardless of the permissibility of betting based on state law.

To navigate the evolving landscape of sports betting, the NCAA has advocated for updated regulations that align with their mission of maintaining integrity in college sports. The NCAA seeks to ensure that state laws and regulations are consistent with its rules, providing clarity and uniformity across all member institutions.

Ensuring Compliance and Protecting Student-Athletes

Protecting student-athletes and ensuring their compliance with NCAA regulations is of utmost importance. However, a challenge arises when university athletic departments in states where gambling is allowed fail to address the potential legal risks of sports betting in their policies. Only a small number of Power 5 public universities explicitly warn student-athletes about the legal consequences associated with sports betting.

To safeguard student-athletes, it is crucial for institutions to educate them on the legal implications of engaging in sports betting activities. This includes providing clear information about state laws, potential criminal charges, and the potential consequences of violating NCAA regulations. By ensuring that student-athletes are well-informed, universities can help mitigate the risks associated with gambling and protect the eligibility and future prospects of these athletes.

As the NCAA continues to address the high rate of gambling on college basketball, collaboration between the NCAA, member institutions, and state authorities is essential. By working together, they can establish comprehensive guidelines that prioritize compliance, protect student-athletes, and maintain the integrity of college sports.

Maintaining Integrity in College Basketball

To uphold the integrity of college basketball and protect the interests of student-athletes, the NCAA has implemented strict disciplinary policies and taken proactive measures to address the impact of sports betting. Let's take a closer look at the NCAA's disciplinary policies, the impact of sports betting on collegiate eligibility, and the efforts made by the NCAA to safeguard college basketball.

NCAA's Disciplinary Policies

The NCAA has established stringent regulations and disciplinary policies to combat the high rate of gambling on college basketball and ensure fair competition. Violations of these policies can result in severe consequences, including a permanent loss of collegiate eligibility in all sports. The NCAA's focus on maintaining the integrity of the game underscores the seriousness with which they address sports betting issues.

Impact of Sports Betting on Collegiate Eligibility

Engaging in sports betting can have detrimental effects on the eligibility of college athletes. The NCAA strictly prohibits student-athletes from participating in any form of sports gambling, including betting on college basketball. Violating these rules can lead to severe penalties, potentially jeopardizing a student-athlete's eligibility to participate in collegiate sports.

NCAA's Efforts to Safeguard College Basketball

Recognizing the importance of addressing the challenges posed by sports betting, the NCAA has been actively involved in efforts to protect college basketball. They advocate for updated state laws and regulations related to sports betting, aiming to shield student-athletes from harassment, coercion, and other negative impacts of problem gambling. The NCAA also emphasizes the establishment of mandatory reporting hotlines for gambling authorities and increased penalties for individuals who harass student-athletes.

Additionally, the NCAA is committed to providing education, integrity services, and research to combat the issue of sports betting among young adults. They have initiated a national survey to gather data on sports betting in the 18 to 22 age group, highlighting their dedication to understanding and addressing the prevalence of gambling in college sports.

By implementing disciplinary policies, advocating for updated regulations, and conducting research, the NCAA strives to safeguard college basketball from the influence of sports betting. These efforts aim to protect the integrity of the game while ensuring the well-being and eligibility of student-athletes.