Proposal aims to outlaw college-related prop bets nationally
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Congressman Baumgartner Spearheads New Effort to Curb College-Level Gambling
College-level betting is once again in the limelight, with Congressman Baumgartner highlighting the issue's urgency. The NCAA has also sounded the alarm, focusing on prop bets specifically.
Unlike federal oversight of sports betting, which has been haphazard since PASPA's repeal, states have taken diverse approaches to regulate their gambling industries. Some have adopted a more relaxed stance, while others have leaned towards protectionist measures or stricter rules.
The need for federal intervention in college betting
Besides the SAFE Bet Act, which aims to establish a federal standard for player safety, a new piece of legislation has made waves. Dubbed the PROTECT Act, this bill seeks to prohibit college proposition wagers on a federal level.
The PROTECT Act is the brainchild of Congressman Baumgartner, who pointed out the exponential growth of sports gambling on college campuses, potentially threatening the sports' integrity and the health of students.
Declaring his concerns about student athletes being targeted for harassment and coercion into game-fixing for financial gain, Baumgartner said:
"College athletes dedicate themselves to their sport and academics. It's crucial we safeguard their integrity, both on and off the field. This bill doesn't ban betting on college sports games, but it aims to stop wagers on individual student athletes' performances."
Baumgartner, who is also involved in the SAFE Bet Act, faces an uphill battle convincing Republicans to back his proposals, given the current political climate.
Gathering momentum for stricter college betting regulations
Not just Baumgartner, but even the NCAA seems to share concerns over the potential adverse effects of college prop bets. The increasing appetite for college betting, underscored by the recent launch of Robinhood's prediction market, adds weight to this worry. The American Gaming Association anticipates $3.1bn to be wagered legally on this year's event alone.
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NCAA's Position on Sports Betting:
- Current Rule: The NCAA currently prohibits betting on professional sports by college athletes, coaches, and staff if those sports are also played at the collegiate level.
- Proposed Change: The NCAA is exploring the possibility of lifting this ban, enabling college athletes to bet on professional sports, while maintaining the ban on betting on college sports.[1][2][5]
- Reasoning: The proposed change aims to simplify enforcement efforts and respond to the growing prevalence of legalized sports gambling in the U.S.[2][5]
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Sports betting on college-level events is a growing concern, with Congressman Baumgartner pushing for stricter regulations through the PROTECT Act. This bill aims to prohibit college proposition wagers on a federal level, addressing worries about student athletes being targeted for game-fixing and their overall integrity being threatened. The NCAA, too, seems to share this concern, as the increasing appetite for college betting raises provocative questions.
