The NCAA has voted to rescind a rule that would have allowed college athletes and athletic department staff to bet on professional sports. The decision comes amid growing concerns about gambling-related integrity issues in both college and professional sports.
The rule change was originally set to take effect on November 1, but under NCAA procedures, Division I schools had 30 days to vote on rescinding it since the proposal had not reached the 75% approval threshold. On Friday, more than two-thirds of Division I members voted to stop the rule, ensuring that athletes and staff remain banned from betting on professional sports. The same vote applies to Divisions II and III.
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High-profile gambling cases in recent months have fueled the debate. Former Temple guard Hysier Miller, for example, allegedly placed dozens of bets on games involving his own team. Additionally, arrests of NBA personnel in a gambling investigation and accusations against Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier have underscored the risks of allowing athletes to bet, even on professional sports.
The NCAA has also taken action against college athletes involved in sports betting. Earlier this month, the organization revoked the eligibility of six men’s basketball players over alleged violations. With a growing number of enforcement cases, NCAA officials have emphasized the need to maintain the integrity of competition.
Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey had previously expressed concerns to NCAA President Charlie Baker about the original rule change. The reversal ensures a uniform prohibition of pro sports betting across all NCAA divisions, while bets on NCAA events remain strictly prohibited.
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