In 1992, the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) went into effect federally, banning sports betting across the United States. Then, in 2018, the Supreme Court repealed the ban, giving states and organizations authority over the matter. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), overseeing college sports, had a rule stating that college athletes and staff couldn’t bet on professional sports.
That was, until a recent decision set to open that door on Nov. 22, 2025.
With this change, student athletes can now bet on their teams – even if college-level sports betting is still banned – and with that change comes more normalcy for student athletes.
At its core, the change allows students in sports to feel equal with their non-athletic counterparts. Additionally, the move is considered modern for reevaluating PASPA’s influence on the decision.
Aside from the general shift, the direct impact is positive.
The NCAA frequently investigates cases of college athletes betting on college sports, a practice that is unfair to non-athlete students because of the insider information gap. If the student athletes can at least bet on professional sports, then they wouldn’t feel as inclined to bet on their own fields, as they could feel included on the bigger stand.
The long-term consequences of this move, however, tilt the impact to the negative.
It’s a common fact that gambling is a predatory industry designed to make bettors lose money while convincing them that the next bet will be their big win. While most can throw loose change and enjoy the game, some fall down the slope of a sports gambling addiction.
The risk of that alone is too high to bet on.
Student athletes face enough stress managing academics and sports. Having the adverse effects of gambling in a field they’re passionate about could easily blur the line between their passion and a harmful addiction.
While it’s reasonable that college sports betting could be more fair with student athletes having a shot at the professional games instead, there would inevitably be students who wouldn’t have placed bets otherwise joining the mix. That excludes instances of student athletes with connections to professionals who could provide them with insider information as well.
Even if allowing student athletes to bet on sports like everyone else would help them feel more included, it’s not worth it. Most don’t stay athletes forever, meaning they can always take part later. Because at the end of the day, college is a time for athletes to bet on themselves.
Be First to Comment