How Sports Betting is Impacting the Well-Being of Student-Athletes at the University of Missouri

The University of Missouri is grappling with the implications of sports betting as it becomes legal in the state. The university now has a big question to answer: should it ban betting completely, partner with betting companies, or find a balance between the two?

In November, voters approved Amendment 2, which requires Missouri to have operational sports betting by December 2025. However, with interest from students and the broader community growing, MU may need to make decisions sooner than that.

Colleges across the nation are taking different stances on sports betting. While some, like Xavier University and Purdue University, have opted for outright bans on betting involving their teams, others, such as Louisiana State University, have chosen to collaborate with betting companies.

Some states have stricter rules. For instance, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Virginia, Delaware, and Washington don’t allow any bets on college teams. Illinois permits in-person betting at casinos but not online.

The Southeastern Conference has decided to leave betting policies up to each school. They work with Integrity Compliance 360 to monitor for any unusual betting activities.

One important aspect for MU to consider is the impact on its athletes’ well-being. “Sports betting raises concerns about potential negative effects on student athletes,” says Pam Bruzina, MU’s Faculty Athletic Representative. She is advocating for measures to prevent faculty, staff, and students from wagering on Mizzou games and wants to limit certain types of bets related to student-athletes.

Research from the NCAA shows that 21.5% of male college athletes already engage in sports betting, despite existing restrictions. Bruzina highlights that athletes are facing increasing harassment from bettors, particularly on social media, which adds pressure during crucial times such as NCAA championships.

“Some athletes may be pressured to share insider information, like a teammate’s injury, which could influence betting outcomes,” she explains. In light of this, MU Faculty Council Chair Tom Warhover stated that the Student Affairs Committee is looking into the availability of counseling and mental health services for students who might face these pressures.

It’s still uncertain whether Missouri will adopt regulations like some neighboring states that shield college athletes from targeted bets on individual performances, such as player statistics. Thirteen states, including Iowa, have enacted such protections while allowing bets on game results.