Texas Athletics Hit with NCAA Betting Violations

The University of Texas athletic department has self-reported five NCAA violations related to sports betting, involving football players and staff members. The incidents occurred between July and November 2024, raising concerns about compliance with NCAA regulations.

Key Takeaways:

• Texas self-reported five NCAA violations involving sports betting
• Two football players among those implicated in the violations
• Total impermissible bets amounted to nearly $15,000

The University of Texas has found itself in hot water after self-reporting five NCAA violations related to sports betting. The incidents, which took place between July 11 and November 4, 2024, involved two football players, a non-student athlete connected to the women's tennis team, a student assistant, and an unspecified athletic department employee.

According to documents obtained by the Austin American-Statesman, the group collectively placed $14,885.76 in impermissible wagers. These bets were made on PrizePicks, a daily fantasy sports platform that allows users to wager on player statistics. While traditional sportsbooks remain illegal in Texas, PrizePicks operates within the state's legal framework.

NCAA rules strictly prohibit players, coaches, and staff members from betting on any sport in which the NCAA sponsors a championship. This breach of regulations comes at a time when sports betting violations are on the rise, with the NCAA reporting approximately 50 cases in 2023 and 100 in 2024.

The University of Texas utilized ProhiBet, a monitoring service that cross-references personal data with information used to register for online sportsbooks and daily fantasy websites. This technology, mandated by the SEC for all member schools since the 2023-24 season, played a crucial role in uncovering the violations.

The consequences for those involved varied. One football player was temporarily deemed ineligible but later reinstated after repaying the value of his wagers to a charity. Another player, who reportedly had a 'problem' with sports betting and placed around $9,600 in impermissible wagers, including bets on Texas basketball teams, left the university and ended his college football career.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by collegiate athletic programs in maintaining compliance with NCAA betting regulations. As the sports betting landscape continues to evolve, universities must remain vigilant in educating their athletes and staff about the potential pitfalls of gambling on sports.