Big Ten Aims to End College Player Prop Bets Amid Scandals

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Federal Indictments Prompt Big 10 Conference to Address Prop Bets on College Sports

Earlier this year, federal indictments concerning point shaving and other corrupt betting activities involving college basketball players have caught significant attention. In light of these events, the Big 10 Conference has taken a stance against prop bets involving college athletes. The conference has communicated to NCAA President Charlie Baker, urging an outright restriction or complete elimination of these player prop wagers.

The Big 10’s communication followed the recognition of the inherent risks associated with prop betting, highlighted by numerous FBI indictments affecting dozens of players across various college basketball programs. Baker has shown support for the conference's concerns, having previously advocated for a nationwide ban on such bets. However, some states remain divided on the issue, with places like Ohio and Vermont aligning with Baker’s prohibition on wagers involving college athletes, showing the unevenness in regulatory approaches across the country.

The discussions around this issue reveal the complexity of dealing with betting in sports where athletes are perceived to be more vulnerable due to their non-professional status and comparatively lesser earnings. For instance, following the Jonte Porter scandal, betting platforms like FanDuel have already restricted prop bets for basketball players under two-way contracts. This contrasts with the broader professional realms, where players like Terry Rozier, who earns significantly more, are seen as less liable to engage in such activities.

The conversation about reformatting prop bets continues, with suggestions to modify them rather than enforce a total ban, which could result in increased unregulated, offshore betting activities. The debate remains active, with ongoing discussions in Congress and among sports betting platforms, reflecting the diverse perspectives on how to handle prop bets responsibly while considering their profitability for bookmakers.

This evolving situation underscores the growing scrutiny and regulatory movement towards safer and more responsible betting environments in sports, particularly concerning college athletes. The Big 10’s active role in addressing these challenges indicates a significant shift towards possibly redefining how sports betting is approached in collegiate sports in the near future.