NCAA survey highlights increase in sports betting compliance issues
Latest data released by governing body shows 27% of schools have dealt with sports betting issues within the last year
New National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) data has revealed that more than a quarter (27%) of so-called ‘autonomy’ schools have dealt with a sports betting-related problem among staff or athletes within the last 12 months.
The figure, released by the college sports governing body as part of a survey of campus compliance directors on sports wagering issues they experience, is up from just 3% in 2019.
Similarly, 25% of autonomy school campus compliance directors said they had become aware of an instance of harassment of student-athletes within the last year by individuals with interest in gambling.
The NCAA conducted the survey between July 18 and August 1, emailing the survey to individuals listed as the senior compliance administrator at each respective college, with 546 such personnel surveyed across autonomy schools (AGS) as well as Division I, II and III schools.
Overall, the survey found that some form of sports wagering education is occurring for athletes, coaches, and athletics administrators at more than 95% of Division I schools and a majority of Division II and III schools.
Individuals where education on sports betting is provided predominantly included athletics administrators, coaches, and student athletes, with high percentage responses across all four surveyed college areas.
This education is mostly delivered in person by athletics staff or external entities, or via written handouts provided to athletes.
Of those surveyed, 85% of Division I, 50% of Division II, and 32% of Division III schools that discuss the topic with student-athletes do it more than once a year.
About 75% of Division I, 40% of Division II, and 25% of Division III schools that provide education say they present it more than once a year to their coaches and administrators.
When asked if NCAA student-athletes should be required to complete an educational module on sports betting at least once during their college career, survey respondents at all four levels (AGS at 76%, Division I at 79%, Division II at 83% and Division III at 68%) all said yes.
NCAA president Charlie Baker commissioned the survey after assuming the role in March, with the governing body releasing a report on the scale of sports betting among college-athletes in May.
“Student-athletes are getting harassed by bettors, and billion-dollar ad campaigns are targeting young people across the country. We need all the help we can get, including from regulators and sportsbooks, to protect student-athletes and protect the integrity of the games,” Baker said.
“The NCAA will use this staff survey data, as well as data from our prior sports betting activities survey of college-age respondents, to make the best tools available to help schools educate student-athletes on how and why to avoid sports betting.
“Clearly there is more work to do, but this survey will be a big help with all our sports betting efforts,” Baker added.