Athletes aren’t only people you can place bets on, they have their own betting habits too. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) recently released findings from its fifth study on student-athlete gambling behaviors. This study provides a critical look at how the rapidly changing sports betting landscape in the US is impacting college athletes.

The study revealed some positive trends, such as a slight decrease in the percentage of men placing any bet that violated NCAA bylaws. Yet it also highlighted some concerning issues. These include increased frequent betting among Division III men and a rise in harassment from bettors.

Men’s Betting Trends

Despite the proliferation of legal sports betting across the country, the percentage of men’s teams reporting betting on sports for money decreased slightly from 25% in 2016 to 22% in 2024. However, the study revealed increased frequent betting among Division II and Division III men.

These findings raise concerns. While the overall percentage of men betting on sports has decreased, certain groups of athletes are betting more frequently. This potentially increases the risk of problem gambling behavior.

Women’s Betting

The percentage of NCCA women’s sports participants placing bets is quite low at 5%. This figure remains stable, with little variation in the percentages reported for 2016 and 2024. Although participation in sports betting has not increased significantly, it is still important to monitor gambling behaviors to detect any concerns.

Harassment from Bettors

Division I athletes reported high rates of harassment from bettors targeting competitors. Men’s tennis (21%) and basketball (17%) players were most affected. Increased betting visibility and accessibility could negatively impact athletes’ mental and emotional well-being, potentially leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Impact of Education

Education is seemingly having a positive effect. Fewer Division I athletes knowingly provided information to gamblers than in previous years.

This highlights the importance of continued education and awareness programs to ensure that student-athletes are aware of the rules surrounding sports betting. It also educates them on the risks and consequences of betting.

Addressing the Challenges

The NCAA is taking proactive steps to address the challenges of the evolving sports betting landscape.

• Partnering with EPIC Global Solutions: A partnership with EPIC Global Solutions has been established to provide gambling harm prevention education programs for over 75,000 student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. These programs aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions and to identify potential problem gambling behaviors.
• Launching an Initiative to Study Online Abuse: The NCAA has launched an initiative with Signify Group to study online abuse in college sports, including harassment from gamblers. This research will provide valuable insights and help to develop effective strategies to protect athletes.
• Modernizing Penalties: Penalties for wagering violations have been modernized. This includes shifting the focus from strict punishment to support and education. This approach aims to reduce the stigma associated with gambling issues and encourage athletes to seek help without fear of severe consequences.
• Developing Educational Resources: The association is developing new educational resources, such as the “Draw the Line” messaging campaign, to raise awareness about responsible gambling. This campaign, scheduled to launch during Problem Gambling Awareness Month and March Madness, will use targeted messaging to educate the public and student-athletes about irresponsible gambling behavior.

The Importance of Continued Education and Collaboration

The evolving sports betting industry presents challenges. The study highlights the need for education and collaboration. The NCAA must work with partners to conduct research and implement suitable education programs.

With this approach, it can protect student-athletes. Furthermore, it will be better armed to maintain the integrity of collage sports and promote responsible gambling.

Conclusion

The NCAA study provides unique insights into student-athlete gambling. While positive trends exist, continued vigilance and proactive measures are vital to address challenges posed by the expansion of sports betting. By prioritizing education, prevention, and support, the NCAA can protect student-athlete well-being.