The NCAA is considering lifting restrictions that bar student-athletes from wagering on professional sports events, a potential rule change that would create a major shift in longstanding policy.
At present, student-athletes are prohibited from wagering on any NCAA-sponsored sport that is offered at the professional level. The possible rule change could help the NCAA streamline enforcement efforts, enabling the association to focus more on policing match manipulation.
Over the last 15 months, college athletics has been rocked by a spate of scandals involving suspicious betting patterns. Federal authorities have reportedly launched an investigation into a major point-shaving breach involving multiple schools.
In April, the Division I Board of Directors directed the Division I Council to adopt changes to sports betting rules – specifically, changes that would allow betting on professional sports. The board of directors voted near-unanimously, 21-1, to approve the change.
With the backing of the council, the legislation could be approved as early as next month, SI.com reported. The council is expected to receive an update on the directive during its meeting this week, but it is not expected to take any formal action until the end of June at the earliest, sources told GGB. More information on the specific changes and a formal proposal will be available at a later date.
During the 2024-25 college basketball season, several mid-major programs were linked to an illegal gambling enterprise under federal investigation. The ring is reportedly being probed for its alleged role in another scandal involving former NBA player Jontay Porter.
After receiving a lifetime ban for manipulating his performance in at least two NBA games, Porter pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud conspiracy. Last week, the NCAA disciplined five Iowa State staffers for combining to place more than 6,200 bets, including games involving the university.
