NCAA targets anti-harassment laws with new advocacy initiative
College sports governing body to protect student-athletes from harassment or coercive behavior in reinforcement of integrity goals
The National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) has said it will advocate for the introduction of new laws to prevent student-athletes from “harassment or coercive behavior” by sports bettors.
The college sports governing body has confirmed it will engage with lawmakers in states where sports betting has not been legalized to lobby for the inclusion of anti-harassment provisions into sports betting legislation.
“All the provisions the NCAA is advocating for are currently in place in at least one state but not all, creating an uneven playing field and leaving student-athletes vulnerable,” the NCAA said in a release.
In addition, the NCAA will work to advance such laws in states which have legalized the vertical and provide support to those states that have already introduced protections for student-athletes.
The provisions are intended to protect student-athletes, coaches, game officials, and college sports personnel from harassment and problem gambling as well as bolster integrity protections.
This support will focus on a number of areas.
Firstly, the NCAA will work to advance the institution of mandatory reporting hotlines to allow gambling regulators to report harassment of student-athletes to law enforcement.
Also on the NCAA’s lobbying docket is the enforcement of increased penalties for bettors found to have harassed student-athletes, as well as mandatory education for sports betting operators to help identify harassment.
The NCAA has previously voiced its support for the introduction of prohibitions barring individuals under the age of 21 from placing bets with sportsbooks, and the inclusion of anti-harassment reporting hotlines in all sports betting advertising.
Lastly, the governing body has said revenue generated from sports betting should be allocated, in part, towards education to support the college student population perceived to be at a higher risk of harassment from bettors, such as student-athletes.
In a statement, president of the NCAA, Charlie Baker, cited the need to protect student-athletes from harassment.
“The NCAA is making changes to help student-athletes make smart choices when it comes to sports betting, but given the explosive growth of this new industry, we are eager to partner with lawmakers, regulators, and industry leaders to protect student-athletes from harassment and threats,” Baker said.
“Some states have great policies on the books to protect student-athletes from harassment and coercion and to protect the integrity of the games, but as more states pass or amend laws, more needs to be done,” the NCAA president added.