Wyoming Gaming Commission Reviews Impact of Prop Bets on Collegiate Athletes

In a recent session, the Wyoming Gaming Commission (WGC) handled the important and contentious issue of proposition (prop) bets in collegiate sports, focusing on their impact on student athletes. Describing prop betting as “harassment of student athletes,” the Commission underscored the growing concern about this type of gambling and its implications for college sports.

Concerns Raised by NCAA and University of Wyoming

The NCAA and the University of Wyoming have both expressed substantial worries regarding prop bets. These bets involve wagering on specific aspects of a game, such as the number of rebounds or points a basketball player might achieve or the number of touchdowns or yards a football player might accumulate. Unlike traditional bets, which focus on the overall outcome or spread of the game, prop bets zero in on individual performances. This focus has raised alarms about the undue pressure it places on student athletes, potentially affecting their performance and well-being.

During the meeting, various stakeholders voiced their opinions and concerns. The WGC highlighted the potential risks associated with prop bets, noting that they could lead to harassment and undue pressure on student athletes. The Commission discussed how these bets might affect the athletes’ mental health and performance, creating an environment where players are targeted not just for their team’s results but for their personal statistics.

Among the public responses, a notable contribution came from WGC Operations Manager Michael Steinberg. In a detailed letter, Steinberg proposed two possible approaches to mitigate the issue of prop betting. The first approach suggested a comprehensive statewide ban on all prop bets, regardless of where the colleges are located. This broad ban would aim to eliminate the problem at its root, ensuring that no student athlete in the state is subject to the pressures of prop betting.

The second approach focused on a more targeted ban, prohibiting prop bets specifically on in-state college players. This solution aimed to protect local athletes while allowing prop betting to continue on athletes from other states. Steinberg’s proposals sparked a lively debate among the Commission , each weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the two approaches.

Deliberations and Future Considerations

Despite the extensive discussion, the WGC did not reach a final decision during the meeting. The complexity of the issue, coupled with the potential unintended consequences of a total ban, necessitated further deliberation. The Commission decided to continue examining the matter, gathering more information and considering additional perspectives before making a final ruling.

The decision to prolong the deliberation process reflects the intricate nature of regulating sports gambling. On one hand, there is a clear need to protect student athletes from potential harassment and undue pressure. On the other hand, there is a concern that overly restrictive measures could push gambling activities into illegal markets, where they would be much harder to monitor and regulate.

The controversy surrounding prop betting is not confined to Wyoming. Across the United States, several states have taken decisive actions to regulate or ban these types of wagers. For instance, Louisiana has recently implemented a statewide ban on prop betting on college athletes, which will take effect this summer.

Other states, such as Illinois, Connecticut, and Iowa have adopted policies that prohibit prop betting specifically for in-state teams.

These varying approaches reflect a broader national debate about the role of gambling in sports and the need to protect athletes while maintaining a legal and regulated gambling environment. The decisions made by the WGC will likely influence other states grappling with similar issues.

As the WGC continues its deliberations, the outcome will be closely watched by other states and stakeholders in the sports gambling industry. The decision will not only impact Wyoming but could also set a precedent for how other states address the complex issue of prop betting in collegiate sports.

“We all agree that harassment of student athletes is bad and something that should not be tolerated,” Steinberg wrote. “The question then becomes, is banning prop bets going to eliminate the harassment of athletes?”

Source:

”Wyoming regulator meets to discuss prop betting”, gamingamerica.com, July 12, 2024.