NCAA launches new campaign to boost problem gambling awareness

The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) has launched a new campaign to help boost awareness of problem gambling among participants and consumers of college sports. The initiative, aptly named "Draw the Line," will also seek to improve student-athlete education about sports betting and comes at a crucial time as the March Madness season is now officially underway.

The Division I Men's and Women's Basketball Championships, collectively known as March Madness, are hailed as some of the most important sports events on the calendar, both in terms of viewer interest as well as betting handle. According to the American Gaming Association, a staggering $2.72bn may be placed on sportsbooks across the United States this year, a handle, surpassing betting interest in February’s Super Bowl game two-fold.

"Draw the Line" also comes following the realization that sports betting is becoming an important part of college culture, and its omnipresence is hard to deny. A study in 2023 confirmed that 67% of college students are engaging in sports betting on campuses. Participants are mostly 18 to 23 years of age, and they are vulnerable groups at a risk of developing a more serious problem with gambling.

Another study shared by the Nevada Council on Problem Gambling, citing an Intelligent report, showed that 20% of students have also tapped into their financial aid otherwise earmarked for living and educational expenses to fund their gambling habits, cover debt, or place wagers.

Many students are also betting in the hopes of financial gain rather than just as a recreational pastime, and many are turning to sports gambling to cope with stress and anxiety brought on by school curriculum and financial pressure.

Commenting on the rollout of "Draw the Line," NCAA President Charlie Baker said that the issue was more complex than that. He noted that sports bettors have been harassing both student-athletes as well as officials, and that the NCAA was already working with law enforcement to refer some of the most serious cases to the police.

"The NCAA is doing more than ever to protect the integrity of the game and arm student-athletes with the truth about sports betting," Baker said. The NCAA has launched a sports betting e-learning module hoping to educate 500,000 current and future student-athletes about problem gambling harms and the risks that are generally associated with sports betting and the integrity of sports.

The NCAA has similarly signed a partnership with EPIC Global Solutions in a separate attempt aimed at 50,000 coaches, administrators, and select student-athletes.

Image credit: Unsplash.com