NCAA Council Introduces Rule Change Proposal to Let Players, Staff Bet on Pro Sports

The Division I Council has introduced a proposal that would allow student-athletes and staff members to bet on pro sports, per an NCAA press release.

The council's actions are not final until the conclusion of their meetings on Wednesday, per the release. In addition, the proposal would not lead to an official rule change unless it is adopted in October.

Furthermore, the change will occur only if Divisions II and III vote to allow pro sports betting.

As expected, the NCAA would continue its ban on college sports betting, in addition to providing information about college sporting events with bettors.

The introduction of the proposal followed a Division I Board of Directors' directive in April for the council to adopt sports betting rule changes.

Josh Whitman, Illinois' athletic director and chair of the Division I Council, explained why changes are in motion.

"NCAA rules prohibiting sports betting at all levels were written and adopted at a time when sports gambling was largely illegal nationwide. As betting on sports has become more widely accepted across the country, Division I members have determined that further discussion of these sports betting rules is warranted, particularly as it relates to the potential distinctions between betting on professional versus collegiate sports. Throughout our discussions, the council has remained focused on student-athlete wellness and educating student-athletes about the risks and potentially harmful impacts of betting."

The present NCAA rules state that student-athletes and staff members cannot bet on any sports that have NCAA championships, regardless of whether the contest is at the professional, collegiate or amateur level. In addition, the NCAA continues to hold the opinion that a student-athlete betting on their own college team or sport should still lead to a "permanent loss of any remaining collegiate eligibility."