NCAA releases survey on student betting participation

The National Collegiate Athletic Association has conducted a comprehensive study set out to better understand and analyze sports wagering behavior in students on college campuses. This comes largely as a response to the recent scandal involving a baseball coach at Alabama, and various athletes at Iowa and Iowa State who were suspected of violating the organization’s anti-gambling policies.

NCAA’s survey queried 3,527 people and collected their responses to better understand the pervasiveness of sports wagering, and how advertisement may have an impact on the target group of people - those aged 18 to 22. Two-thirds of college students who responded and who lived on campuses said that they had indeed "engaged" in betting – and various forms of it.

The survey was commissioned by NCAA President Charlie Baker who has expressed concern, together with the organization, about the reach of the online betting industry and the proliferation of readily available gambling offers that may impact young people.

The study’s methodology did not seek to exclude student-athletes, but the NCAA said that it would seek to conduct a separate one that focuses specifically on student-athletes. An estimated 58% of the respondents said that they have engaged in "at least one" sports betting activity.

As stated, 67% of those students who live on campuses are sports bettors, and they tend to bet at a higher frequency compared to peers who do not. More interesting data transpired from the study, too. For example, 41% of college students who bet on sports placed a bet on their school’s team. Some 35% confirmed that they had used a student bookmaker to sort this for them.

Another matter is the pervasiveness of advertisement, with such deals largely falling out of grace in light of recent events and stiffer opposition from concerned parties and lawmakers to ensure that sports companies have no place on campus, pushing their promotions to young people.

The survey discovered that 63% of on-campus students did remember seeing a betting ad. Some 58% confirmed that they feel more inclined to bet after they have seen an advertisement. NCAA’s survey also dug into problem gambling. At least 16% said that they had undertaken risky bets at least once, while another 6% said that they lost more than $500.

A very apt question was asked to try and gauge the perception of sports betting among sports fans who undertake riskier bets – 70% of that group responded that they believed that by betting on sports, they could increase their earnings.

The NCAA has said that this study is just a part of its comprehensive and broader efforts to ensure student-athlete well-being, minimize gambling harm and protect students in general. The organization continues to work with law enforcement, regulators, and mental health experts among other parties to achieve these goals.

"The world of sports wagering is vast and complex. The NCAA is diligently gathering data, reviewing processes and procedures, and creating initiatives to educate student-athletes and protect the integrity of college athletics," said Managing Director of Enterprise Risk Management Clint Hangebrauck.

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