NCAA Launches 'Draw the Line' Campaign for Gambling Education

The NCAA has rolled out a new campaign, 'Draw the Line,' intended to educate student-athletes on the perils of sports betting. This initiative launches as the 2024 Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships begin, a period known for heightened betting activity across the US. 

With sports betting legalized in over 30 states, the NCAA reports that more than half of college-age students have engaged in sports betting within the past year. Alarmingly, 67% of 18- to 22-year-olds on college campuses have participated in sports wagering, despite the legal age requirement being 21 in regulated states. Additionally, the NCAA expresses concern over insufficient protection and integrity measures for student-athletes in certain regions. Efforts are underway to update laws, including advocating for enhanced protections against harassment and coercion and safeguarding the integrity of competitions.

NCAA President Charlie Baker emphasizes the urgency of informing student-athletes about the potential repercussions of sports betting. The organization advocates for policy reforms at the state level and implements monitoring tools during championships to identify and address threats, collaborating with law enforcement when necessary.

The 'Draw the Line' campaign supplements previous efforts by the NCAA to combat issues related to sports betting. Last October, the organization launched its inaugural sports wagering e-learning module, offering resources and scenarios to raise awareness about gambling-related harm among student-athletes. Developed in collaboration with current and former college athletes and campus leaders, this free module covers various topics, including problem gambling, sporting integrity, NCAA regulations, and social media harassment.