While many Americans support legalized betting on professional sports, college athletics is a different story. A recent poll by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research reveals that 58% of respondents favor states allowing regulated wagering on professional sports, but 55% oppose similar rules for college sports. The survey was conducted from February 6-10, just before the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments, with the men’s event being one of the most heavily bet-on competitions in the U.S.
The poll also highlights attitudes toward March Madness brackets, with 56% of adults viewing bracket participation for money as a form of gambling, while 21% disagree, and 22% believe it depends on the amount wagered. About one-third of participants cite bragging rights or the chance to win money as their primary motivations for joining March Madness pools, while 20% say school spirit or social pressure drive their involvement.
A Patchwork of College Betting Laws
Since the 2018 Supreme Court ruling on the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), states have adopted varied approaches to wagering on college sports. Some impose no restrictions, while others ban betting on college games held within their borders. A few states allow betting on collegiate events but prohibit wagers on in-state teams, regardless of where those games take place.
A contentious issue within college sports betting is player proposition (prop) wagers. Certain states have banned these bets, citing concerns about athlete safety and game integrity. Data supports these fears, showing that frustrated bettors sometimes target individual athletes with threats on social media after losing bets—a problem that also plagues professional sports.
Some respondents to the poll expressed support for betting on college games’ outcomes, like sides and totals, but voiced concerns over prop bets. Critics argue such wagers could increase the risk of players being targeted or even influenced by unscrupulous bettors.
Striking a Balance on College Prop Bets
Regulations around college prop betting remain a delicate issue. States must weigh protecting athletes against losing out on potential tax revenues from these wagers. Prop bets, including those on college sports, are a significant source of tax income, particularly during the college football season.
Interestingly, these wagers have also attracted more women to sports betting, a trend that could extend to this year’s NCAA women’s basketball tournament, which begins this week. However, the debate over player safety and betting ethics continues to shape states’ approaches to regulating college sports betting.
