Is it Legal to Bet on College Sports? Everything You Need to Know

Learn how to bet on college sports legally and responsibly. Get tips for following state regulations and avoiding NCAA rule violations.

College sports betting is a popular pastime for many sports fans, especially during major events like March Madness and bowl season. However, it’s important to know the legality of college sports betting before placing any bets. With the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), many states have legalized sports betting. For some, this is including college sports betting. However, each state has its own laws and regulations surrounding sports betting. The NCAA also has rules prohibiting athletes and coaches from betting on college sports. Violating these rules can have serious consequences for both the bettor and the athlete or coach involved.

In this article we’ll cover everything you need to know. This includes federal and state laws, NCAA rules and regulations and how to ensure you’re betting legally. By staying informed about the latest changes in sports betting laws, you can enjoy betting on college sports responsibly and legally.

The State Laws and Regulations

Currently, the status of college sports betting in the United States is changing rapidly. For many years, sports betting was illegal in most states. This was due to the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) passed by Congress in 1992. This banned sports betting in all but four states: Nevada, Delaware, Montana, and Oregon. However, the Supreme Court decision to overturn PASPA in May 2018 opened the doors for other states to legalize sports betting.

Since the Supreme Court decision, several states have legalized sports betting. Some have even legalized betting on college sports. Many sportsbooks now offer betting lines for college sports events. The impact of the PASPA repeal has been significant. Many sports fans can bet legally on college sports for the first time. However, it’s important to note that each state has its own laws and regulations surrounding sports betting and college sports. This makes it essential to check the rules in your state before placing any bet. It’s not as straight forward as a simple yes or no answer.

Where is it Legal to Bet On College Sports?

Some states have legalized sports betting but have placed restrictions on college sports, such as prohibiting betting on in-state college teams or certain types of college sports events. Other states have legalized betting on all college sports events, both in-state and out-of-state.

As of February 2023, 24 states have legalized betting on college sports. Some states are however still in the process of legalizing it. The states where it’s currently legal to bet on college sports are as follows:

There are however still restrictions in some of the states despite being legal. For example, in Iowa residents can’t place bets on college athletes but they can bet on the team. Many states like Tennessee don’t allow prop bets but do allow users to bet prior to games. Massachusetts is expected to go live for online sports betting soon, including college sports betting.

NCAA Rules and Regulations

The NCAA has a strict stance on sports betting that prohibit athletes and coaches from betting on college sports events. The rules ensure the integrity of college sports and prevent any potential conflicts of interest that could arise from betting on games. The consequences for violating said rules can be severe. This can include suspension, expulsion and even legal consequences. The NCAA however has the authority to investigate any violations of its rules. It can impose sanctions on schools, coaches and athletes found to be involved in illegal sports betting activities. By following the rules and betting legally, sports fans can enjoy college sports betting and help maintain the integrity of college sports.

Tips for Betting Legally and Responsibly on College Sports

College sports betting is rapidly changing in the United States. The recent Supreme Court decision to overturn PASPA has opened the doors for many states to legalize sports betting, including college sports. However, each state has its own laws and regulations surrounding sports betting. It’s important to understand the rules in your state before placing any bets.

Fans must ensure you’re betting legally on college sports. Follow the rules and regulations in your state and avoid any potential conflicts of interest or violations. You can also stay informed about the latest changes in sports betting laws and regulations by checking the latest updates from your state’s regulatory body or industry publications.

Ultimately, by betting responsibly and legally, we can help maintain the integrity of college sports and ensure a fair and enjoyable experience for all fans.