In a landmark shift for college athletics, the NCAA has officially revised its sports betting policy to allow student-athletes and athletics department staff to place bets on professional sports. The change, initially approved by the Division I Administrative Committee on October 8, received final approval from the Division II and III Management Councils on October 22. The updated rule will take effect on November 1.
This policy adjustment reflects the growing normalization of sports gambling in American culture. Under the new guidelines, individuals affiliated with NCAA programs may now legally wager on professional leagues such as the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and WNBA.
However, betting on college sports remains strictly prohibited. The NCAA continues to bar student-athletes and staff from placing bets on collegiate competitions or sharing insider information with gamblers.
Why The NCAA Changed The Rules?
Despite approving the change, Division II and III leaders emphasized that the decision should not be interpreted as an endorsement of sports betting. In their joint statement, they urged institutions to prioritize harm reduction and utilize resources from the NCAA’s Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports and the Sport Science Institute.
The timing of the policy shift is notable, as the NCAA is currently investigating multiple sports betting violations across its member schools. It also follows another recent reform: the adoption of a 15-day transfer window for college football players in January.
Josh Whitman, Illinois athletic director and chair of the Division I Administrative Committee, acknowledged the ongoing concerns about gambling risks. However, he explained that the committee ultimately chose to ease restrictions to better reflect the freedoms of the broader student population. “This change allows the NCAA, the conferences, and the member schools to focus on protecting the integrity of college games while, at the same time, encouraging healthy habits for student-athletes who choose to engage in betting activities on professional sports,” Whitman said.
Can You Wager On Sports Online In The USA?
Yes, you can legally wager on sports online in the USA, but in-state options are limited. As of 2025, online sports betting is legal in 30 US states, along with Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. Other states only have access to online gambling sites that service US players.
To make matters more confusing, a select few states have sent cease-and-desist letters to popular online sportsbooks that accept their players. While the letters haven’t completely shut down legal online gambling sites, it has made access to popular sites harder for some players.