NCAA Survey Highlights Growing Concerns Over College Sports Betting

An increasing number of college sports administrators are raising alarms over sports betting’s impact on their institutions. This sentiment emerges from a recent NCAA survey conducted between July 18 and August 1. Of the 546 compliance administrators surveyed, 500 provided actionable data.

The survey’s results were particularly telling for larger colleges, often referred to as “autonomy” schools. These institutions, typically part of Power Five conferences like the Big Ten and SEC, appear to face the brunt of sports betting issues. A telling 27% of these schools indicated they’ve grappled with sports betting or related gambling concerns within the past year. This figure starkly contrasts the 13% recorded across all Division I schools, marking a significant jump from the mere 3% noted in a 2019 survey.

Moreover, the survey also highlighted administrators’ escalating anxieties about sports betting. Over half (53%) of respondents from Power Five schools expressed “extreme or moderate” concerns over sports gambling. This figure marks a leap from the 38% recorded in 2019.

However, concerns aren’t restricted to potential rule breaches. Athletes’ well-being is also at stake. A worrying 25% of Power Five respondents were aware of student-athletes harassed by individuals with gambling interests within the last year. This figure is more than double the 10% recorded for Division I overall.

NCAA President Charlie Baker voiced these concerns, stating, “Student-athletes are getting harassed by bettors, and billion-dollar ad campaigns are targeting young people across the country.” He further emphasized the need for support from both regulators and sportsbooks to ensure the safety of student-athletes and maintain the integrity of college sports.

While grappling with these challenges, the NCAA is investing resources to understand the burgeoning sports betting landscape. Previous surveys revealed that event wagering is rampant on campuses. Yet, the latest findings show that a significant 95% of Division I respondents confirm their institutions are educating athletes on legal sports betting.

Administrators also indicated their willingness to leverage NCAA resources, especially regarding sports wagering regulations and dealing with gambling harassment. Only a third of Power Five schools employ sports wagering integrity services, but a majority, 63%, confirmed their conferences engage these services.

Baker, in his press release, affirmed the NCAA’s commitment to providing support. He mentioned, “The NCAA will use this staff survey data…to make the best tools available to help schools educate student-athletes on how and why to avoid sports betting.”

The survey did also shed light on certain challenges. Despite efforts, student-athletes seemed to display casual attitudes towards wagering. The survey pointed out that students and coaches often knowingly flout rules, suggesting that the NCAA’s current regulations might need an overhaul.