With the legalization of sports betting across several states, the industry has grown into a financial behemoth, with billions of dollars being wagered annually. While this has created new opportunities for revenue generation and fan engagement, it has also raised concerns about the integrity of amateur sports and the well-being of college athletes. One individual who has been vocal about these concerns is NCAA President Charlie Baker.
Since assuming the role of president earlier this year, Baker has become increasingly worried about the impact of legal gambling on college athletes and the integrity of amateur sports. He voiced those concerns during a recent CBS News interview.
One particular form of wagering that has caught his attention is “prop bets.” These bets allow gamblers to place wagers on individual plays linked to specific players.
Baker believes that prop betting presents a unique risk that should not be allowed in college sports. While several states permit this type of wager, Baker fears that prop bets have the potential to compromise the overall outcome of the game without detection. For example, a malicious wager on a player’s missed shot may go unnoticed as it does not directly impact the final result. This creates a worrisome situation where student athletes may be coerced into intentionally underperforming.
Another concern that the former Massachusetts governor raises is the potential for student athletes to inadvertently share insider information. With the pressure and financial implications surrounding college sports, friends and classmates may attempt to compromise a player by coercing them into specific actions during a game.
Baker envisions scenarios where individuals approach players, requesting them to miss free throws or make small but impactful mistakes. These actions may not alter the outcome of the game but can be exploited by those involved in gambling.
Baker’s worries extend beyond the immediate impact on the game. He emphasizes the need to protect student athletes from being harassed or manipulated due to their involvement in college sports. To address this, Baker proposes legislation that would ban prop bets on collegiate sporting events and student-athletes. Furthermore, he suggests the creation of a “prohibited bettors list” that identifies individuals with a history of harassing coaches or players. These measures would help safeguard the well-being and integrity of college sports.
The rise of college sports gambling has been staggering. In 2022 alone, $93 billion was wagered on sports, with over $15 billion being bet on NCAA March Madness. The allure of potential winnings and the excitement of betting on games have led to a surge in popularity. However, this growth has also raised concerns about the impact on college athletes and the potential for corruption.
Baker, a former center for Harvard University’s basketball team, understands the pressure that college athletes face. He worries about the psychological impact of seeing friends and classmates risking large sums of money on their performance. The added pressure to perform well can take a toll on the mental well-being of these young athletes, potentially affecting their confidence and overall performance on the court or field.
Additionally, Baker suggests implementing educational programs to raise awareness among student athletes and schools about the risks associated with gambling. By equipping them with the knowledge and tools to recognize and report suspicious activities, the hope is to minimize the potential for corruption and protect the integrity of college sports.
In other NCAA-related gambling news, the organization recently announced adjusted punishment guidelines for athletes caught gambling on other college sports at their own school.
This significant change in policy will result in a one-year suspension and a lost year of eligibility for those found guilty of betting on other NCAA sports. Previously, such offenses resulted in permanent loss of eligibility under the old rules. The NCAA’s decision to ease punishments on gambling cases outside of a player’s own athletic department reflects a shift towards a more lenient approach.
Under the new guidelines, a player who bets on their own sport at another school may lose 50 percent of a season, while gambling on other sports can result in punishments ranging from mandatory gambling education classes to a sliding scale of eligibility lost based on the amount of money wagered. These adjusted guidelines take into account the severity of the offense and aim to provide a fair and consistent approach to disciplinary measures.
However, it is important to note that punishments for players who gamble on their own teams remain unchanged, with a permanent loss of eligibility still in effect. The NCAA emphasizes that it does not encourage student-athletes to engage in sports wagering at any level, and the modifications to reinstatement conditions should not be interpreted as support for such behaviors.
The new ruling could potentially provide relief for a handful of athletes involved in the recent betting scandals at Iowa and Iowa State. For instance, ISU tight end DeShawn Hanika was only cited for betting on Iowa State basketball games, while nine other Iowa and Iowa State football players are still facing permanent loss of eligibility after gambling on their own games. The adjusted guidelines may offer these athletes a chance to regain their eligibility after serving their suspensions.
