The Las Vegas bookmakers love the month of March. Whereas the Super Bowl is the single most-gambled-on event, the bets flow freely during the three weeks and original field of 65 teams of the NCAA tournament.

Of course, not all of the betting on March Madness takes place in Las Vegas. Talk about basketball pools is everywhere when it comes time. Even the guys on television talk about how their bracket has been busted. Even though people who talk about their basketball pools announce that it is “just for fun,” it is no secret that most of these pools are for money.

It is similar with college football. Point spreads for college games are printed in the newspaper. Weekly football pools spread around the office or the bowling league: pick 7 teams based on the point spread or the upset, get them all correct, win hundreds of dollars.

The Ethics of Betting on College Sports

In Las Vegas (at least), betting on college sports is legal. And if the bets are confined to personal enjoyment, it makes otherwise meaningless games more interesting.

However, there is a growing concern, particularly with college presidents, that betting on college sports compromises the games’ integrity. There have been incidents where college students, usually male basketball players, have been approached by gamblers wanting to improve their chances of big pay outs. Because student-athletes on scholarship are strictly regulated when it comes to working and earning money during the school year, some athletes have taken up the offer to do some point shaving in games in return for a take on the winnings. When caught, the young athlete finds himself in trouble with both his college and the law. It can not only destroy a career, but ruin a life before it truly gets started.

Should It Be Legal?

The question on whether or not betting on college should be legal is one that goes around in circles. The country is split evenly on the issue: half believe that betting on college sports should remain legal, while the other half believe it should be banned. Those who think it should be banned argue that these kids aren’t seeing any money for their play on the field or court. These are also the people who believe there is still purity left in the college game – there are no contract disputes or athletes skipping from team to team in search of a bigger paycheck. On the other hand, those who believe it should be legal, and not only in Nevada, say that college sports are a big-time business, just like the pros, and as long as the kids aren’t approached or involved, sports betting should be allowed.