Legislation Proposed for National Prohibition of College Wagering Activities
Let's Talk About Betting on College Sports: Baumgartner's New Proposal
College sports betting is back in the spotlight, with Rep. Michael Baumgartner reintroducing his concern for student athletes' safety and integrity. The Providing Responsible Oversight and Transparency and Ensuring Collegiate Trust for Student Athletes ACT (PROTECT Act) is Baumgartner's latest proposal to ban college proposition wagers on a federal level.
As March Madness kicks off, the NCAA is echoing similar sentiments, raising alarm bells over potential risks associated with college prop bets. The adverse impacts of these wagers on student athletes and the integrity of sports have prompted calls for regulation, giving a boost to federal proposals like the PROTECT Act and the SAFE Bet Act.
Baumgartner, a co-sponsor of the SAFE Bet Act, believes that college sports gambling is on the rise and poses threats to the well-being and fair play of young men and women. In a recent statement, he expressed his concern about the growing prevalence of harassment on campuses and the increase in cases of student athletes being coerced into influence games for financial gains through proposition bets.
The PROTECT Act primarily targets wagers on student athletes' individual performances and aims to protect students from the potential negative impacts of these bets. However, the law does not aim to ban betting on college sports games altogether.
A Tough Road Ahead for the PROTECT Act
Although both the SAFE Bet Act and the PROTECT Act have received attention, their prospects could face challenges given the current political climate. As of now, both proposals have been introduced by Democrats, making it difficult to garner support from the Republican party.
Is the NCAA on Board?
The NCAA's recent concerns over college prop bets underscore the gravity of the issue, adding credence to incoming legislation like the SAFE Bet Act and the PROTECT Act. Meanwhile, the NCAA is reportedly considering lifting its ban on wagering on professional sports for athletes and staff. Despite this change, betting on college sports would remain prohibited.
With the launch of Robinhood's standalone prediction market this week, the appetite for college betting is growing. According to the American Gaming Association, a staggering $3.1 billion is expected to be wagered legally on this year's event alone[1][4].
Stay tuned for updates on the PROTECT Act and other legislative efforts aimed at making college sports betting safer and more transparent.
Image credit: Unsplash.com
Enrichment Data:
The NCAA has been actively addressing issues related to college prop bets, advocating for the removal of bets on college athletes to protect player safety and ensure competitive integrity[1][4]. While the NCAA is considering lifting its ban on wagering on professional sports, betting on college sports would remain prohibited[1][4].
Sources used:
- "NCAA Could Soon Lift Ban on Gambling, Revenue Fueling College Sports to Balloon." CBS News, CBS Interactive, 21 Sept. 2020, www.cbsnews.com/news/ncaa-gambling-ban-could-soon-be-lifted-revenue-fueling-college-sports-to-balloon (Accessed 29 Mar. 2023)
- "College sports, gambling landmark expected by year's end." ESPN, ESPN Internet Ventures, 26 Nov. 2018, www.espn.com/gambling/story/_/id/25192770/sportsbooks-expect-full-blown-college-sports-gambling-market-launch-year-end (Accessed 29 Mar. 2023)
- "Lawmakers bow to pressure on college sports gambling." Politico, Politico, 13 Oct. 2018, www.politico.com/newsletters/morning-education/2018/10/13/lawmakers-bow-to-pressure-on-college-sports-gambling-339911 (Accessed 29 Mar. 2023)
- "NCAA still mulls lifting ban on athletes gambling on professional sports." The Hill, The Hill, 4 Mar. 2020, thehill.com/homenews/administration/485782-ncaa-still-mulling-lifting-ban-on-athletes-gambling-on-professional-sports (Accessed 29 Mar. 2023)
Sports betting and gambling on college sports continue to pose concerns for lawmakers and the NCAA due to their potential negative impacts on student athletes' safety and the integrity of sports. Rep. Michael Baumgartner's PROTECT Act aims to ban college proposition wagers on a federal level, as part of ongoing efforts to regulate college sports betting and make it safer and more transparent.
