NCAA President Calls For States To Ban College Player Props In Sports Betting

Written By Giovanni Shorter | Last Updated March 27, 2024

The NCAA is officially pushing for a ban on prop betting on collegiate sporting events in regulated sports betting states. This comes at the heart of March Madness, where some markets allow college basketball player prop betting. NCAA President Charlie Baker announces plans to contact officials across markets that allow this type of wagering.

NCAA President Charlie Baker Issues Statement

In the official release, President Baker says that the reason for the announcement follows a rise in sports betting issues:

Players, both professional and collegiate, have expressed harassment from fans due to poor performances that lead to losing wagers.

The announcement comes at a time when player props are at the forefront of the sports betting industry. A recent NBA scandal where Toronto Raptors Forward Jontay Porter is being investigated for potential point shaving has drawn a lot of criticism surrounding player props. Prop betting can easily manipulate the outcome of games if players are rigging their own stats to exploit sportsbooks.

A countrywide ban is the solution that President Baker feels will solve these issues. Currently, 27 markets have either limited or prohibited player props on college games. Maryland, Vermont, and Ohio banned college prop betting in the last month. Baker specifically names these markets and hopes that others follow suit.

How Likely Is It For A Ban On College Player Props?

With enough support from officials and the public, a nationwide ban is not out of the question. The reason why Ohio specifically banned college player props came at the request of the NCAA. An NCAA player prop ban request on a national scale can lead to lawmakers in multiple states considering the request and being in favor, especially if integrity concerns continue.

A ban would at least mitigate the harassment student-athletes face. Additionally, the risk of insider information, such as a player’s injury severity, would be less likely as their props wouldn’t be available to wager on regardless.

A potential shift in college betting could arise if there is indeed a nationwide ban on player props for college sports.