New NCAA working group to examine impact of sports betting
Group to examine methods of protecting collegiate athletes
The NCAA has announced the creation of a working group to examine the effects of legalised online sports betting on collegiate sports.
The group, which will be made up of experts from across the NCAA’s national office, will assess areas of impact of sports betting from NCAA rules, officiating events, state or federal legislation and the use of integrity services as a means of staving off corruption in sports.
Donald Remy, NCAA chief legal officer, said: “While we certainly respect the Supreme Court’s decision, our position on sports wagering remains.
“With this new landscape, we must evolve and expand our long-standing efforts to protect both the integrity of competitions and the well-being of student-athletes.”
Current NCAA rules prohibit sports betting by student athletes or member schools’ athletics employees including sports coaches.
In May the NCAA board of governors suspended the NCAA’s championship policy in relation to sports betting, ensuring the continuity of hosting collegiate level NCAA championship events in those states which have legalised sports betting following the repeal of PASPA.
Joni Comstock, senior vice president of championships and alliances at the NCAA added: “Legalized sports gambling across the country is rather new, but the NCAA and its members have committed significant resources over the years to policy, research and education around sports wagering,”
At a collegiate level, much of the NCAA’s approach has been focused on educating and protecting student athletes while also developing a standardised approach to game integrity at a national level.
Comstock added: “With student-athlete well-being as the centerpiece, we will continue to build upon these efforts to assist members as they adapt to legalized sports wagering in their states and regions.”