NCAA Approval for College Athletes to Bet on Pro Sports: What You Need to Know

Thursday, 23 October 2025, 14:54

NCAA allows athletes to bet on pro sports, a significant change for college athletics. This decision permits college athletes to engage in betting on professional leagues while maintaining a ban on college sports wagers. Understanding this shift is crucial as it reflects the evolving landscape of sports and betting.

Thehill — NCAA Approval for College Athletes to Bet on Pro Sports: What You Need to Know

NCAA Approves Betting for College Athletes

In a landmark decision, the NCAA announced that college athletes across all divisions are now allowed to bet on professional sports. The NCAA's Division II Management Council officially approved this measure on Wednesday, despite keeping a ban on wagering for college sports in place.

Details of the Approval

According to NCAA officials, the new policy does not serve as an endorsement of sports betting for student-athletes. Council chair Roberta Page emphasized that this decision recognizes the current realities of the sports environment. The NCAA's Division III Cabinet had previously voted in favor of this measure.

Commercial Sports Betting Landscape

The American Gaming Association reported that commercial sports betting revenue through August 2025 has reached $10 billion, an increase of 18.9 percent compared to last year. This decision by the NCAA aligns with the expanding trend of professional sports betting.

Recent Controversies

While the approval marks progress, it follows a recent scandal where three college basketball players were banned for betting on their own games. This highlights the ongoing issues within college sports and the complexities stemming from betting.

This article was prepared using information from open sources in accordance with the principles of Ethical Policy. The editorial team is not responsible for absolute accuracy, as it relies on data from the sources referenced.