Betting is especially popular among college students and young adults. Now that it can be done from the palm of one’s hand, it’s much easier for more people to get started.
On October 8, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) adopted a proposal allowing student-athletes to participate in gambling on professional sports. The rule was officially approved on October 23 and will take effect on November 1. Many people saw this change coming—especially given the number of student-athletes who already participate in fantasy sports leagues.
“It was one of those things I expected to see at some point. The news did come out at an odd time because of the NBA controversy, but in my opinion, it was expected. At the NCAA National Conference last year, I listened to an amazing talk about the rise of betting within sports. It emphasized how it would be smarter to treat the fire with education and awareness rather than trying to put out the fire completely, which hasn’t been working,” says SAAC President Jason Karch
There is also no direct conflict between professional sports and college sports, aside from the fact that college athletes now have a new level of freedom regarding betting.
As the legalization of sports betting continues to expand, so does the number of people participating. Sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, and BetMGM are thriving because of this growth. Among college students, there aren’t many who disagree with the ruling—though many still find it surprising.
“I am very surprised. I see why they are allowing it, but I am very surprised,” says sophomore baseball player Cody Bergeron.
This ruling—like many others recently passed in college athletics—is likely to change the landscape of college sports in the coming years.