NCAA moves closer to lifting ban on professional sports betting for college athletes

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) took a major step on Wednesday toward allowing college athletes and athletic department staff to bet on professional sports, marking a significant shift in its longstanding stance on gambling.

The Division I Administrative Committee approved a proposal to permit betting on professional sports, though the measure must still be endorsed by the Division II and III committees before it can take effect. If all divisions agree, the new policy will be implemented on November 1.

Betting on college sports will remain strictly prohibited. Athletes and staff will continue to face bans for wagering on college events, influencing outcomes, or sharing inside information with third parties.

“The Administrative Committee was clear in its discussion today that it remains concerned about the risks associated with all forms of sports gambling but ultimately voted to reduce restrictions on student-athletes in this area to better align with their campus peers,” said Josh Whitman, athletics director at the University of Illinois and chair of the committee.

Whitman added that the rule change reflects a modernized approach to sports betting, which is now legal in most U.S. states. “This change allows the NCAA, the conferences, and the member schools to focus on protecting the integrity of college games while, at the same time, encouraging healthy habits for student-athletes who choose to engage in betting activities on professional sports,” he said.

The Division I Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) backed the proposal, saying it promotes education and transparency over punishment. “By removing unnecessary barriers, we are hopeful that student-athletes and athletics administrators will feel empowered to come forward, seek help and engage in open dialogue without fear,” the committee said. 

The NCAA’s bylaws on wagering were drafted when sports betting was largely illegal across the United States. Discussions about revising those rules began in May 2025.

The shift comes amid a rise in gambling-related infractions. In September, the NCAA permanently banned three men’s basketball players from Fresno State and San Jose State for betting on their own games and manipulating performances. A separate investigation identified 13 other former athletes from six schools involved in betting violations.

“Enforcement staff are investigating a significant number of cases that are specifically relevant to the NCAA’s mission of fair competition,” said Jon Duncan, NCAA vice president of enforcement. “Our focus will remain on those cases and those behaviors that impact the integrity of college sports most directly.”