New North Carolina Bill Seeks to Ban College Sports Prop Bets

North Carolina is once again at the forefront of sports betting discussions with the introduction of House Bill 828 (HB 828). More than a year after allowing online sports betting in March 2024, where participants need to be at least 21 years old, lawmakers are now pushing for a new regulation that could reshape the gambling landscape. This fresh proposal seeks to ban college prop bets amid growing concerns about the impact on college athletes and potential threats from disgruntled gamblers. While North Carolina currently permits wagering on college sports, betting on youth sports remains prohibited, demonstrating the state’s commitment to protecting younger athletes.

Earlier this week, lawmakers filed HB 828, swiftly passing its first reading in the House before being referred to the House Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House Committee. The primary sponsors of this bill—Reps. Marcia Morey, Neal Jackson, Pricey Harrison, and Mitchell S. Setzer—enjoy strong bipartisan support. This comprehensive backing is further bolstered by other Republicans and Democrats, reflecting growing consensus on the necessity of such regulation. The bill’s aim is to prohibit proposition bets on amateur and college sports, defining these wagers as bets on individual actions, statistics, or occurrences within events that don’t necessarily affect the final

Prop bets, loved for their diverse and engaging nature, however, bring along a host of complications. Gamblers often wager on a myriad of in-game occurrences, from penalties delivered to injuries sustained. These bets do not hinge on the final outcome of the sporting event, broadening the appeal for many bettors. Nevertheless, the potential harm these bets can inflict, especially on college athletes, cannot be understated. Instances of disgruntled gamblers overtly expressing their displeasure through threats on social media platforms are not uncommon, leading to heightened concern over the well-being of these young athletes. These developments have significantly influenced HB 828’s robust reception among lawmakers who seek to avert such negative consequences.

The introduction of HB 828 is a direct response to increasing worries about the negative impact of prop betting on college sports. Similar attempts were made in the past, but these did not gather the necessary support. The new bill represents a renewed effort to safeguard college athletes from the psychological strain and harassment emanating from disgruntled bettors. With samples of such incidents documented across the country, the urgency to protect student athletes has never been more critical.

The supportive environment for HB 828 underscores the state’s dedication to maintaining the integrity of its sporting events while protecting those who directly partake