Momentum is building toward the NCAA removing its prohibition against gambling on professional sports, multiple sources tell Sports Illustrated. The Division I Board of Directors laid the groundwork for such a rule change last month and has forwarded it to the D-I Council for further discussion next week. If the council is in favor, it could be fast-tracked into existence by late June.
At present, athletes, coaches and staff members cannot wager on professional sports that also are sponsored by the NCAA. That includes football, basketball, hockey, baseball, golf and tennis. But in a video conference April 21, the D-I board voted 21–1 in favor of directing the council to “adopt legislation to deregulate the prohibition on wagering on professional sports.” It also “directed the NCAA staff to develop concepts for the appropriate committees to consider regarding a safe harbor, limited immunity or reduced penalties for student-athletes who engage in sports wagering but seek help for problem gambling.”
