The NCAA Division I Leadership Committee has put forward a proposal to allow student-athletes and employees from the athletics department to bet on professional sports.
In a Statement issued on Wednesday (October 8), it was confirmed that the new rule will go into effect starting November 1, but only if it is approved by all three NCAA divisions.
The Second and Third Sections are expected to hold formal meetings on the issue and submit a response by the end of October.
DI’s management committee votes to remove restrictions on gambling in professional sports. The rule cannot be changed unless it is also approved by Sections II and III.
More about possible changes
https://t.co/VIqDFoDaWC
– NCAA News (NCAA_PR) October 8, 2025
Josh Whitman, the committee’s chairman and Illinois athletics director, said in a statement that the leadership body “remains concerned about the risks associated with all forms of sports gambling.”
He also noted that the proposed rule change is intended to allow student-athletes to “better fit in with their peers on campus,” but more importantly, student-athletes and related staff would still be prohibited from betting on college sports.
The new NCAA rule is not an endorsement of sports betting
The committee, led by the Division I Board of Directors, stressed that its overall oversight position has not changed, and that the potential new rule is not an endorsement of sports betting.
There would also be no difference from current rules prohibiting advertising and sponsorships related to gambling in the NCAA tournament.
It is hoped the new rule will give students space to come forward to ‘seek help’ if they are suffering gambling-related harm, without feeling undue pressure or judgement.
The move is also a proactive response to what the NCAA describes as an increase in the pace of college enrollment Sports-related betting violations In recent years.
NCAA Vice President John Duncan explained in a letter that “enforcement staff are investigating a large number of cases specifically relevant to the NCAA’s fair competition mission, and our focus will remain on those cases and those behaviors that directly impact the integrity of college sports.”
A warning was previously issued, clarifying that the new rule change will only apply to sports bets placed after the new guidance is adopted.
Image credit: NCAA/Canva
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