College Basketball’s Gambling Problem

College basketball has a bit of a gambling problem — but not in the way you might think.

Americans will legally wager an estimated $3.3B during March Madness, according to the American Gaming Association — “a 54% increase over the past three years.” But the NCAA recognizes that unsavory bettors are harassing, pressuring, and soliciting basketball players.

Now, you’ve likely seen headlines of players actively participating in schemes to rig games:

“Thirty-nine players and 29 games that we allege were either fixed or attempted to be fixed,” David Metcalf, US Atty. for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania said.

But what’s more common: Around half of men’s D1 basketball players (46%) reported getting threatening messages from people who bet on their games.

“Some of these guys are like legitimately receiving threats… slurs thrown their way… there’s just a lot to be aware of,” Darrell Comer, a sports agent at CSE Talent, said.

Duke’s Isaiah Evans told WRAL’s Brian Murphy about his own experience after his team’s win over Clemson during the ACC tournament:

“I just got a text right now,” Evans said. “Some dude told me, ‘I hope you blow your knee out.’”

Brian Murphy@murphsturph

Asked Duke's Isaiah Evans about prop bets and if he or his teammates hear from angry bettors. Evans said he got a message last night after Duke's win. @WRALDoc on sports betting in NC debuts Wednesday.

1:30 PM · Mar 14, 2026 · 6.75K Views

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The NCAA knows that betting-related pressure is a real problem. Charlie Baker, the organization’s president, has called for state gaming commissions to join Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, and Vermont in banning prop bets on individual players.

And, for the first time, the NCAA is mandating player availability reports for the men’s and women’s championship tournaments. They believe this will reduce the risk of bettors pressuring players or staff for insider information related to who’s suiting up and who’s on the bench.

But as betting on college sports becomes more common — and more lucrative — some feel institutions could go even further in supporting student-athletes.

Cover image: Paul Sherman / CC BY-NC 4.0