The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), the organization tasked with protecting student athletes and the games they play on and off the field, has created an e-module on the pitfalls of sports betting.
And if anybody should put out a written manual—or module—on sports betting pitfalls for young athletes in their midst, it’s the NCAA.
The NCAA collected feedback from existing student-athletes, campus leaders, former collegiate students and an NFL player who did not reveal his name.
“One of the first things I did when I took over as NCAA president was gather as much information as possible about sports betting on college campuses. This educational resource is directly informed by that data. We believe this new program will help protect student-athletes from the risks that come with sports wagering,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement.
The data reveals that athletes with firsthand experiences connect with current student-athletes better than any other material. Baker said, “We are incredibly grateful for their participation in this effort.”
Last month, the NCAA released the results of a campus compliance directors survey on sports betting issues. For Baker, the results will offer a deeper understanding of the learning that compliance officers provide as well as what the NCAA can do to enhance initiatives.
Baker also commissioned a related survey of 18-to-22 year-olds to look at frequency of sports wagering behaviors and attitudes. More than 58 percent participated in at at least one sports betting activity. Problem gambling is also an issue, with 16 percent involved in what is deemed as “risky” behavior, and 6 percent reporting that they have lost more than $500 in a single day.
“This is one piece of an ongoing plan to provide continuous education and resources for student-athletes, prospective student-athletes, parents, coaches and administrators,” Clint Hangebrauck, NCAA managing director of enterprise risk management, said in a statement.
“We are very appreciative of industry experts such as the National Council of Problem Gambling, EPIC Risk Management and Dr. Jeff Derevensky for their contributions to this process. This will assist members in supplementing other education programming such as the programming EPIC Risk Management has provided to more than 20,000 student-athletes, coaches and administrators.”
The free module consists of helpful information, scenarios, Q&As, and resources, created by former student-athletes. Zaire Franklin, Indianapolis Colts NFL linebacker and former Syracuse student-athlete and a finance/marketing management graduate, begins the experience. Mikala Hall, basketball star at Central Michigan, follows.
“Sports wagering has exploded in our society, and it is extremely important for athletes—at all levels—to receive thorough education on the rules and risks of sports betting to help protect themselves, their team, sport, mental health, finances and future,” Franklin said.
