From Touchdown to Jackpot or College Athletes’ Gambling Risks
In collegiate sports, the student-athletes are required to function under a quite rigorous set of regulations that set the criteria of their eligibility to take part in the competitions. A rather complicated aspect that has been identified in recent years is the shift of sports to betting at casinos. The appeal of betting because of the online accessibility of betting and the legalization of sports betting in more states, made college athletes to be disqualified after placing bets. The magnitude of the issue has grown so large that the NCAA as well as the schools have reacted by enforcing stricter regulations and spreading the warnings.
Current Landscape of Student-Athlete Gambling
The gambling industry has seen explosive growth since 2018 when the Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act. By the end of 2025, 48 states have legalized some form of sports betting, creating unprecedented access for young adults, including student-athletes. According to recent NCAA surveys, approximately 26% of male student-athletes and 8% of female student-athletes have reported placing a bet on sports in the past year, a significant increase from just five years ago.
The NCAA maintains strict rules prohibiting student-athletes from participating in gambling activities related to college or professional sports. These rules extend to fantasy sports leagues, sports wagering at Alfabet and casino gambling when sports betting is involved. The penalties for violations can be severe, including loss of eligibility, scholarships and potential career opportunities.
Real-Life Consequences
The past three years have seen several high-profile cases of student-athletes losing eligibility due to gambling activities:
- In March 2024, five basketball players from a top Division I program were suspended for the remainder of the season after placing bets on NBA games through a mobile app.
- A star quarterback lost his entire senior season eligibility in 2025 after visiting a casino and placing bets on NFL games.
- Three Olympic-hopeful swimmers were barred from competition after participating in a poker tournament that included sports betting side action.
Understanding NCAA Gambling Regulations
The NCAA’s stance on gambling is unambiguous. The organization prohibits student-athletes, coaches and athletic department staff from engaging in sports wagering activities. This includes:
- Betting on any sport sponsored by the NCAA at any level (professional, college, high school or youth)
- Providing information to anyone involved in sports wagering activities
- Participating in fantasy leagues with entry fees and prizes
- Engaging with online gambling sites related to sports
Types of Prohibited Gambling Activities
Student-athletes should be aware of the specific activities that could jeopardize their eligibility:
- Sports betting (online or in-person)
- Casino games when located in a sports book section
- Fantasy sports with entry fees
- Poker tournaments with sports betting components
- Bracket challenges with entry fees
Eligibility Consequences Based on Gambling Type
Understanding the potential consequences can help student-athletes make informed decisions. The following table outlines typical penalties for various gambling violations:
| Gambling Activity | First Offense | Second Offense | Third Offense | Additional Consequences |
| Betting on own sport | Loss of 1 full season | Permanent ineligibility | N/A | Possible scholarship revocation |
| Betting on other sports | 50% season suspension | Full season loss | Permanent ineligibility | Probationary period |
| Casino gambling (non-sports) | Warning/education | Partial suspension | Full season suspension | Mandatory counseling |
| Providing inside information | Full season loss | Permanent ineligibility | N/A | Potential legal consequences |
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
For many student-athletes, what begins as casual entertainment can develop into problematic behavior. Coaches, teammates and athletic department staff should be alert to warning signs including:
- Preoccupation with gambling activities
- Missing practices or academic obligations to gamble
- Borrowing money to place bets
- Attempting to recover losses with larger bets
- Lying about gambling activities
- Declining academic or athletic performance
Prevention and Support Resources
Many universities have implemented comprehensive gambling education programs. These initiatives typically include:
- Mandatory educational sessions on gambling rules and risks
- Anonymous reporting systems for concerns
- Partnerships with gambling addiction specialists
- Clear communication of NCAA and institutional policies
- Regular eligibility reminders during high-risk periods like March Madness
Making Informed Choices About Gambling
For student-athletes considering casino gambling, understanding the distinction between permissible and prohibited activities is crucial. In general, student-athletes may participate in:
- Casino games not related to sports (like slots or blackjack) if of legal age
- Lottery games not based on sports outcomes
- Charitable raffles not connected to sports events
However the safest approach remains complete abstention from gambling activities during collegiate athletic careers. The momentary thrill of winning a bet pales in comparison to the potential loss of athletic eligibility and future opportunities.
The choice between sports participation and gambling activities may seem straightforward but in today’s environment of normalized betting, many student-athletes find themselves making decisions without fully understanding the consequences. By staying informed about regulations and seeking support when needed, these young athletes can protect their eligibility and future prospects.
