Athletes to be protected from negative prop bets, NCAA reveals
In an extension to its partnership with sports data analyst Genius Sports, NCAA President Charlie Baker has revealed an additional clause that would protect college athletes from negative prop bets.
The original partnership between the two groups was announced on 25 April and would continue through 2032, with Genius Sports becoming the official distributor of NCAA data.
As reported by the Associated Press, Baker has unveiled an extra condition for Genius Sports, saying,
”For them to continue to access our data moving forward, there can’t be any sportsbook betting on negative props. So all the stuff that literally translates into a lot of the worst behavior that’s directed at young people and student-athletes generally under this agreement is going to be off the table.”
A report released by the Athlete Activism Project in 2024 found that online abuse towards college athletes had drastically increased. Analysts found over 5,000 abusive posts towards young athletes, with 80% of the offensive posts directed at March Madness players.
Of the number of posts analyzed, women received three times more abusive messages compared to their male counterparts, and roughly 12% of the abuse was related to sports betting.
Additionally, a survey conducted by the NCAA found that more than half of students aged 18–22, including those on college campuses, had participated in sports betting, with athletes facing more pressure from social media.
Beyond its Genius Sports deal, the NCAA tracks online abuse and urges states to restrict college prop bets. Over half of legalized betting states comply, but protecting athletes remains challenging.
Dig deeper
2025/04/28: NCAA announces extended partnership with Genius Sports
2025/04/09: North Carolina lawmakers explore ban on college prop betting
2025/04/30: NCAA gambling data sale sparks public health concerns
2025/03/14: University of Texas Athletics Department reports NCAA violations for online wagering
Charlotte Capewell brings her passion for storytelling and expertise in writing, researching, and the gambling industry to every article she writes. Her specialties include the US gambling industry, regulator legislation, igaming, and more.
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