The Michigan Gaming Control Board tells PlayMichigan it is looking into whether to ban or further limit prop bets on college sports.
This comes after NCAA President Charlie Baker issued a stern statement requesting that states ban college prop bets.
Michigan is one of one five states that allows prop betting on college athletes. There are several other states that also allow it, but with restrictions.
Baker cited the harassment and well-being of players and coaches at the forefront of the issue. Eliminating props betting in college sports would certainly reduce the amount of markets Michigan online sportsbooks can provide.
MGCB responds to college prop betting controversy
Prop betting at both the professional and college level has faced a lot of scrutiny this week. Unfortunately, many players, especially in college, have been subjected to harassment because of player props.
Michigan, Kansas, Louisiana, Washington D.C. and Wyoming are the only states in the US in which college prop betting is legal without restrictions. However, it’s possible that can change. MGCB Public Information Officer Lisa Keith told PlayMichigan via email on Thursday:
“Michigan originally did not allow NCAA player prop bets when sports betting was legalized in the state in 2020. However, the change to allow it was made in late summer/early fall 2021. With that being said, and with the recent interest in NCAA player prop bets being banned in other states, we will be taking a look at this issue.”
Ohio, which borders Michigan, is the latest state that banned college prop betting last month. Other prominent markets such as Pennsylvania and New York do not allow college player props of any kind.
Keith told PlayMichigan, “inherently objectionable” props are illegal in the Great Lakes State, such as betting on player injuries and suspensions.
What’s next for college betting in Michigan
It’s likely the MGCB takes a serious look at college props after March Madness betting in Michigan winds down. Keith did not say whether Baker or any NCAA officials reached out to the MCGB.
It’s been a tumultuous week for the betting industry, specifically for prop betting. In the midst of Baker’s comments, the NBA is investigating Toronto Raptors’ Jontay Porter for prop betting irregularities over Jan. 26 and March 20 games.
With athletes suffering from harassment from fans and possible integrity suspicions, prop betting markets appear to be in hot water.
As of now, the full arsenal of props are available in Michigan for Sweet 16 matchups over the next two nights. Here are player markets DraftKings Sportsbook Michigan is offering to bettors:
- Points
- Threes
- Rebounds
- Combos
- Assists
- Defense
Several cities in Ohio near the Michigan border are a short drive away from being able to bet props.
As Keith alluded, there likely is to be more news to come about prop betting, especially on college sports in Michigan.
