Missouri Considers Ban on College Athlete Prop Bets

Kansas City, Missouri, January 22, 2026

Missouri’s Gaming Commission is deliberating on new restrictions for college athlete proposition bets amidst growing concerns about the integrity of collegiate sports. With the state’s sports betting market recently launched, stakeholders are raising alarms about the risks associated with these bets, which may result in manipulation and pressure on student-athletes. The NCAA is advocating for a nationwide ban on such bets to protect athletes’ wellbeing. As Missouri examines its regulations, the implications for its sports betting industry, education funding, and community values are significant.

Kansas City, MO –

Missouri Weighs Ban on College Athlete Prop Bets Amidst Growing Concerns for Sports Integrity

Kansas City, MO is closely watching as the State of Missouri takes steps to address emerging challenges in the rapidly expanding sports betting landscape. Following recent Nationwide scandals impacting collegiate athletics, the Missouri Gaming Commission is actively considering new restrictions on college athlete proposition bets. This deliberation highlights a broader discussion about maintaining the integrity of sports, protecting student-athletes, and ensuring responsible economic growth in the state’s nascent sports wagering market.

The conversation around college athlete prop bets underscores the delicate balance between fostering new economic avenues and safeguarding established community values. As Missouri launched its sports betting market on December 1, 2025, becoming the 39th state to do so, it joined a growing national trend. The initial framework, approved by voters in a 2024 constitutional amendment, included a partial prohibition on prop bets for in-state college teams, a common practice aimed at protecting local collegiate sports from undue influence. However, Nationwide incidents have prompted a reevaluation of existing regulations and a closer look at the potential for manipulation in these popular wagering formats.

The Rise of Prop Bets and Associated Risks

Proposition bets, often referred to as prop bets, allow individuals to wager on specific statistical outcomes or events within a game, rather than solely on the final score. These can include a player’s total points in a basketball game or passing yardage in football. This form of betting has seen a surge in popularity, contributing significantly to fan engagement. However, the nature of prop bets, which can “speed up the ability to make multiple bets,” raises concerns among experts about a potentially higher risk for developing addictive behaviors among some bettors.

Beyond the risks to individual bettors, the focus on individual player performance in prop bets has created a vulnerability for college athletes. The NCAA maintains that such bets can make athletes susceptible to harassment, pressure, or even bribes from individuals seeking to influence outcomes for betting purposes.

NCAA’s Push for Broader Prohibitions

In response to these growing concerns, NCAA President Charlie Baker has issued a strong call to state gambling commissions Nationwide, urging them to eliminate all individual college athlete prop bets. The NCAA’s request also extends to other high-risk wagers, such as bets on whether a team will trail by a specific point spread at halftime. This initiative aims to establish a more robust framework for protecting student-athlete well-being and preserving the integrity of collegiate competitions.

The NCAA’s proactive stance is rooted in a series of recent Nationwide scandals. A federal indictment revealed a scheme involving alleged bribery, wire fraud, and conspiracy, impacting more than 39 players across over 17 NCAA Division I men’s basketball teams, with attempts to manipulate more than 29 games. Other incidents highlighted by the NCAA included charges against two Cleveland Guardians pitchers for taking bribes, an NBA player’s arrest in an alleged scheme to provide inside information to gamblers, and the revocation of eligibility for six men’s college basketball players accused of manipulating their performance. All these instances were reportedly connected to prop bets.

Missouri’s Regulatory Response and Economic Considerations

The Missouri Gaming Commission is now evaluating these requests, having opened a period for public comments on the potential elimination of NCAA player prop bets and first-half unders, which concluded on January 21, 2026. While Missouri currently allows prop bets on out-of-state college teams, this review could lead to a more comprehensive State-level ban.

The economic landscape of sports betting in Missouri is a significant factor in these discussions. The state’s sports betting market has the potential to generate substantial revenue. Projections suggest annual revenues could exceed $30 million, with a potential to grow to over $50 million annually within three years. This revenue is primarily allocated to the state’s education fund, with 2% of adjusted gross revenue earmarked for the Missouri Problem Gambling Fund, which aims to support addiction-related programs. Missouri’s 10% tax rate on adjusted gross revenue is considered slightly lower than the Nationwide average. Furthermore, at least $5 million annually from the state’s sports betting program is dedicated to problem gambling services.

A Broader National Trend in Regulation

Missouri’s consideration of stricter regulations is not unique. Since 2024, four gaming commissions Nationwide—in Louisiana, Maryland, Ohio, and Vermont—have already moved to ban individual college athlete prop bets. Additionally, two state legislatures Nationwide are actively considering bills in 2026 to codify bans on college prop bets. Some states have no limits on collegiate prop bets, while an equal number prohibit all such bets. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has expressed regret about signing the law legalizing sports gambling in his state and has urged regulators to end player-specific micro betting.

On the collegiate level, the NCAA maintains its long-standing prohibition against student-athletes betting on college sports or sharing sensitive information about college competitions. However, in a notable shift, a rule change effective November 22, 2025, now permits college athletes and athletic department staff to place wagers on professional sports, though not on collegiate events. This change was adopted by Divisions I, II, and III. Locally, the University of Missouri Faculty Council is independently considering a policy to ban sports betting for all faculty, staff, and students on the school’s sporting events and its online network.

Looking Ahead: Balancing Growth and Safeguards

As the Missouri Gaming Commission weighs its options, the outcome will have significant implications for the State-level sports betting industry, collegiate athletics, and the broader community. The ongoing dialogue emphasizes the importance of thoughtful regulation that protects vulnerable populations and the integrity of competition while allowing for responsible market innovation. Kansas City MO business leaders and Missouri MO entrepreneurs recognize the potential for Midlands economic growth that accompanies regulated sports betting. However, ensuring a robust and ethical framework remains paramount for long-term success and public trust. Supporting local businesses and staying engaged in Kansas City’s economic future includes advocating for responsible policies that uphold the integrity of all sectors, including sports. This ongoing debate reflects a commitment to both economic vitality and ethical stewardship within the Show-Me State.

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Author: STAFF HERE KANSAS CITY WRITER

The KANSAS CITY STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKansasCity.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Kansas City, Jackson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as American Royal World Series of Barbecue, Dia De Los Muertos, and Planet Anime Kansas City. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Kansas City, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and entertainment that power the local economy such as Children's Mercy Hospital, Government Employees Health Association, and AMC Entertainment. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREStLouis.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Missouri's dynamic landscape.