NCAA Advances Pro Sports Betting Rule Change

The NCAA Division I Board of Directors has overwhelmingly approved a proposal to lift its ban on athletes, coaches, and staff betting on professional sports, and has forwarded the measure to the Division I Council for final consideration. If adopted, the new policy could take effect as early as June, but restrictions on wagering on college sports will remain. The move comes amid widespread legalization of sports betting and increased minor infractions involving professional sports wagers. The board has also called for policies offering safe harbor or reduced penalties for athletes who seek help with gambling issues. Experts say this represents a cultural and philosophical shift for college athletics, with greater emphasis on regulating college sports betting. The NCAA has also expanded its partnership with sportsbooks for data sharing, reflecting a broader change in its approach to gambling since the 2018 Supreme Court decision.