Major College Programs Caught in Sports Betting Probe
Recent investigations by gambling monitoring agency ProhiBet have uncovered several betting violations at prominent NCAA institutions, raising concerns about the growing influence of sports wagering on college athletics.
Texas Longhorns Self-Report Major Violations
The University of Texas athletics department has self-reported five members of its program for engaging in prohibited sports betting activities. Two football players and several staff members spent $14,885 on the daily fantasy platform PrizePicks, violating NCAA regulations.
Consequences varied by involvement level. One football player regained eligibility after donating winnings to charity, while a student assistant was terminated for betting on Longhorns games. Other staff received warnings and mandatory gambling education.
Mississippi State Reports Minor Infractions
At Mississippi State University, a male practice squad player from the women’s basketball program placed $10 worth of bets on NFL and college football games. Though these wagers didn’t include Mississippi State contests, they violated NCAA bylaw 10.3, resulting in the deactivation of the player’s betting account and enhanced education efforts.
This represented one of three Level III infractions reported by Mississippi State in 2024.
Digital Monitoring Detects Violations
Both universities employed ProhiBet’s monitoring services to detect gambling activities among athletes and staff. The platform has proven effective in identifying violations before they escalate into major compliance issues.
College Sports Grapple With Betting Boom
These cases highlight the growing tension between widespread legal sports betting and NCAA regulations. As online wagering becomes increasingly accessible, athletic departments face mounting pressure to educate participants about gambling restrictions.
Prevention Measures Intensify
In response to these incidents, universities are implementing additional safeguards including:
- Enhanced compliance training for athletes and staff
- Regular auditing of potential betting activities
- Improved reporting channels for suspicious behavior
Industry experts predict similar cases will increase as sports betting continues its rapid expansion into mainstream culture, creating an ongoing challenge for NCAA compliance departments nationwide.
