Instigated By The NCAA
NCAA-related player prop bets are to cease in Ohio. The Ohio Casino Control Commission (OCCC) has decided to ban player prop bets to protect college athletes.
The move was instigated by a request from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to the commission in the Buckeye State.
Player Protection
NCAA president Charlie Baker sent a letter to Matt Schuler, the Executive Director of the Ohio Gaming Commission, making the request. The letter, which asked for the implementation of a ban on player-specific prop wagers, was also endorsed by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine.
The Governor commended the OCCC for taking quick action to protect student-athletes. He said the ban would help move attention away from individual athletes, improve the marketplace, and focus betting on the teams.
Operators have been instructed to implement the move by March 1st. As a result of the decision, sports bettors will no longer be able to place wagers on markets, such as the number of points scored, passes made, or fouls committed by a player for NCAA games. They will continue for professional competitions.
The OCCC highlighted in their announcement that Ohio would become the 25th state to implement a prohibition on NCAA player prop wagers. The ban aims to reduce match-fixing and protect players from harassment.
The news comes when March Madness, one of the biggest events in the NCAA calendar, is just around the corner. Last year, an estimated $15.5 billion was bet on March Madness, so the event is demonstrably popular with sports bettors.
A Busy Year
Sports betting was launched in Ohio in January 2023, with the market now being open for just over a year. In that time, the OCCC has introduced this ban and facilitated the passing of a law that prevents people who have previously threatened athletes from placing sports bets.
The NCAA is making a concerted effort to lobby states nationwide to further protect NCAA athletes and the integrity of the competitions. The effort was inspired by a 2023 study that revealed that 27% of the teams in the Power Five conference have dealt with issues related to sports betting in the previous year. Within a year of the repeal of PASPA, this figure was only 7%.
Further Steps
The NCAA has launched an online course that educates collegiate athletes on the harms related to gambling. It includes scenarios, Q&As, and resources on the risks posed to them by sports betting. Aspects of the course are delivered by successful student-athletes who are now pro. This includes Colts Linebacker Zaire Franklin and WWE Next In Line 2022 member Mikala Hall.
They have also built model examples of legislative processes they recommend to different states. Other than banning player props, suggestions include asking states to provide a hotline where people can report harassment or coercive behaviour towards athletes. Advertisers would be required to promote the hotline alongside any gambling commercials.
The NCAA is also lobbying for an increase in the gambling age. They would like to prevent people under 21 years old from betting on sports. They would also like to see a portion of the revenue generated by sports betting go towards tackling harm caused by problem gambling. A practice that occurs in some states.
