CSMAS holds preliminary discussion on sports betting – NCAA.org

With all three NCAA divisions discussing possible modifications to sports betting policies, the Committee on Competitive Safeguards and Medical Aspects of Sports held an informational discussion on the topic. 

Committee members, who met in Indianapolis earlier this month, discussed the possible deregulation of sports betting, which could allow student-athletes to bet on professional sports. 

The membership requested initial feedback from CSMAS on the health, safety and well-being considerations involved with deregulation. Conversations are expected to continue this month and into the winter.

Currently, if the NCAA sponsors a sport, NCAA student-athletes are not permitted to bet on professional, intercollegiate or other amateur competition in that sport.

For student-athletes who are found to have violated NCAA rules, various penalties can be applied, which include partial to permanent losses of eligibility. 

CSMAS specifically discussed these questions:

• Do policy prohibitions work to prevent gambling disorders? 
• Have current NCAA prohibitions prevented sports betting by student-athletes?
• What are the most effective strategies for preventing problem or disordered gambling?
• What makes for effective educational programs for the prevention of problem or disordered gambling?

The proliferation of legalized sports betting in recent years has prompted the membership to examine the best way to move forward on this issue. 

CSMAS noted that, in general, prohibitions are ineffective at stopping unwanted gambling behaviors, and there is little evidence to suggest that current prohibitions have effectively prevented student-athlete gambling. Additionally, initial feedback from CSMAS emphasized harm-reduction strategies, including ways schools can prevent, identify and create referral and treatment pathways for student-athletes who exhibit problem gambling. CSMAS will continue its discussion of the topic as the divisions continue their debate.

Injury data access

CSMAS voted to support reinstatement of the NCAA Injury Surveillance Program data request process. The program facilitates the sharing of injury surveillance data to researchers at NCAA member schools working on sport injury epidemiology projects.

Details of the process, which has been in moratorium since 2018, could be finalized in early 2025.