These days, betting on sports is almost as common as watching them.
Most commonly, people bet on who will win a game or match, but wagers can also be placed on things like point spreads, total scores, and individual player performances.
The rise of online sportsbooks has made betting more accessible than ever, contributing to its surge in popularity. However, there are important regulations in place — most notably, that athletes are prohibited from betting on games they are involved in.
Despite these rules, violations still occur. Thirteen former NCAA basketball players are currently under investigation for alleged sports betting infractions. [1]
Here’s why they’re being investigated, along with an overview of the legal landscape of sports betting — including what is (and isn’t) allowed.
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Why the NCAA is investigating former players
The NCAA is investigating former men’s basketball players who competed for six schools — Eastern Michigan, Temple, Arizona State, New Orleans, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley — in relation to alleged violations of rules related to sports betting.
The probe was triggered when the NCAA’s integrity monitoring program flagged social media messages and texts suggesting suspicious betting activity during regular-season games.
According to the NCAA’s investigation, the violations include athletes betting on their own games, wagering against their teams, manipulating outcomes, and sharing insider information with third parties to assist in betting.
The NCAA has not yet named the athletes involved but recently concluded three similar cases involving men’s basketball players. Those athletes were found to have influenced game results and shared confidential information, resulting in permanent bans from NCAA competition.
NCAA President Charlie Baker warned that the rise in sports betting is increasing integrity risks in college athletics.
“While legalized sports betting is here to stay, regulators and gaming companies can do more to reduce these integrity risks by eliminating prop bets and giving sports leagues a seat at the table when setting policies,” Baker told the Associated Press.
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Sports gambling as an industry
Sports betting has grown rapidly since a 2018 Supreme Court ruling allowed states to regulate it individually.
According to RG.org, 39 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico have legalized sports betting, with 32 allowing online and mobile wagering through regulated sportsbooks. [2]
Americans have embraced online betting, driving record profits. In 2024, the U.S. sports betting industry earned $13.71 billion, up from $11.04 billion in 2023. [3] Most of this growth came from online platforms, which now account for 30% of all commercial gaming revenue.
Unlike casino games like blackjack or roulette, which require in-person visits, sports betting is accessible anytime via smartphone. This convenience has broadened participation across demographics — and created opportunities for athletes to place bets privately, without the visibility that comes with betting in physical casinos.
The risks of sports betting
Sports betting is strictly prohibited for NCAA athletes, particularly on games they’re involved in, due to the high risk of corruption and game manipulation.
For adults in states where sports betting is legal, placing bets is permitted — but risks remain, especially with the rise of 24/7 mobile access and prop bets.
"Online sports gambling is a fundamentally different and more dangerous product than ever could have been imagined," said gambling therapist Harry Levant in an interview with CBS. [4]
An estimated two million Americans fit the criteria for a gambling disorder, while another four to six million are thought to be problem gamblers. [5] Problem gambling can lead to debt, strained relationships, job loss, and serious financial consequences, as individuals often chase losses with more bets.
While some gamble casually, the line between entertainment and harm is easy to cross — especially for student-athletes, whose eligibility and future careers may be at stake.
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Article sources
At Moneywise, we consider it our responsibility to produce accurate and trustworthy content people can rely on to inform their financial decisions. We rely on vetted sources such as government data, financial records and expert interviews and highlight credible third-party reporting when appropriate. We are committed to transparency and accountability, correcting errors openly and adhering to the best practices of the journalism industry. For more details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines.
[1]. The Associated Press “NCAA investigates 13 former basketball players for sports betting violations.”
[2]. RG “The Complete Guide to States Where Sports Betting is Legal in the US.”
[3]. ESPN “U.S. sports betting industry posts record $13.7B revenue for ’24.”
[4]. CBS News “A bad bet? The dangers of sports gambling addiction.”
[5]. National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) “FAQs: What is Problem Gambling?.”
This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.