Despite the growing legalization of sports betting, Baker emphasizes the unique risks associated with prop bets, which involve wagering on specific events within a game, such as individual player performance.
According to Baker:
“Prop bets on college sports can pose significant risks to the integrity of the games and the safety of the athletes.”
The concern is that prop bets can create opportunities for corruption and undue influence, potentially leading to match-fixing or exploitation of student-athletes. Baker’s appeal comes at a time when the sports betting landscape in the United States is rapidly evolving, with many states embracing legalization to boost revenues. North Carolina is one such state that has recently legalized NC sports betting and has seen a significant uptick in betting activities since the legislation passed.
The Push to Ban College Prop Betting in North Carolina
There has been a notable effort within North Carolina to address the issue. State Senator Julie Mayfield and Representative Marcia Morey proposed a bill to ban college prop betting, aiming to curb the potential negative impacts on collegiate sports. However, this bill failed to gain the necessary support and isn’t expected to be moved this session.
Still, Senator Mayfield remains optimistic about finding compromised solutions, stating,
“It’s an alternative that if we’re not going to ban the bets, I would be happy to create consequences for bettors who behave badly. My hope is it is something that could move forward this year or next.”
UNC-Chapel Hill standout Armando Bacot was aligned with Baker, Mayfield, and Morey. Despite his team’s victory against Michigan State in the NCAA tournament, Bacot faced criticism and harassment from disgruntled individuals who felt he didn’t meet their betting expectations.
“It’s terrible,” Bacot expressed to reporters on Wednesday. “I looked at my DMs and I got like over a hundred messages from people telling me I suck and stuff like that because I didn’t get enough rebounds, so I mean I think it’s definitely a little out of hand.”
Opposition for the Ban
In contrast, State Representative Jason Saine, a prominent advocate for legalizing sports betting, opposes the notion of banning prop bets. He believes such a ban is unnecessary, considering the existing mechanisms for addressing issues like harassment and threats.
“I really think this is a solution in search of a problem. I hope the campus police are following up on if there were threats, I hope they follow up on that. And these people should be pursued. I think enough people, if an example is made of them, that this is not going to be tolerated, this is not how we function as a civilized society, then that problem takes care of itself.”
While Saine and his corner resist the notion, the push for a ban on prop bets has been fueled by recent gambling-related controversies within college sports. For instance, Temple University has been embroiled in an investigation concerning suspicious betting activities, highlighting the potential dangers that prop bets can bring to collegiate athletics.
Additionally, former Alabama baseball coach Brad Bohannon faced penalties for his involvement in gambling-related misconduct, further underscoring the risks associated with prop bets.
Baker’s plea is not just about preventing game-fixing; it’s also about protecting young athletes who may be vulnerable to manipulation. The pressures of performance, combined with the potential for financial incentives, can create a hazardous environment for student-athletes. By calling for a ban on prop bets, Baker aims to eliminate one of the key avenues through which these pressures can manifest.
