Player prop bets are popular in professional sports, but you won’t find them as often in college sports. The reason? A mix of state regulations and concerns about the integrity of college athletics. In this article, we’ll explain why player prop bets are typically unavailable for college sports and how state laws influence these betting restrictions. Because of state regulations, this will carry true across all legal apps like DraftKings and FanDuel.

What Are Player Prop Bets?

Player prop bets focus on individual performances within a game. For example, in college football, you might want to bet on how many passing yards a quarterback will throw or how many points a basketball player will score. These types of wagers are common in professional sports but are restricted in college athletics.

State Regulations on College Sports Betting

State regulations are the primary reason you can’t bet on player props in college sports. Although sports betting is now legal in many states, each one sets its own rules. Some states allow betting on college sports but have specific restrictions on prop bets.

For example:

• New Jersey: While New Jersey allows betting on college games, it bans bets on in-state colleges and any wagers tied to individual player performances.
• Illinois: Similar to New Jersey, Illinois permits betting on college games but prohibits individual player props.
• Virginia: In Virginia, bettors can wager on college sports, but player prop bets are off-limits to maintain fairness.

These rules are in place to prevent potential issues and preserve the integrity of college sports. Betting laws are stricter for amateur athletes compared to professional sports.

Preserving the Integrity of College Sports

One of the biggest concerns with player prop betting is its potential impact on the integrity of the game. College athletes are often younger, and some regulators worry that betting on their individual performances could expose them to outside pressures. By banning player props, states reduce the risk of anyone trying to influence a game’s outcome through a specific athlete’s performance.

Regulatory bodies and sportsbooks alike aim to keep college sports as fair as possible. This focus on integrity is one reason you’ll see restrictions on individual player bets, even when betting on college sports is otherwise allowed.

Focus on Team-Based Betting

In college sports, sportsbooks focus primarily on team-based bets, which are less likely to be influenced by an individual player. Popular types of team bets include:

• Moneyline bets: Wagering on which team will win the game.
• Point spread bets: Betting on whether a team will cover the spread by winning or losing within a certain point margin.
• Over/Under (Totals): Predicting whether the combined score of both teams will be over or under a set number.

These team-based bets are considered safer and are more widely accepted in college sports betting markets.

Variations in College vs. Professional Sports Betting

The restrictions on player props in college sports are stricter compared to professional leagues like the NFL or NBA. Many states allow player props in professional sports due to the maturity and experience of the athletes involved. Professional players are seen as less susceptible to external pressures than college athletes. For this reason, states tend to impose more stringent rules on college sports betting.

Limited Data Availability for College Sports

Another practical reason for the absence of player prop bets in college sports is the limited data available. Professional leagues, like the NFL or NBA, offer comprehensive stats, injury reports, and performance data for every athlete. This data allows sportsbooks to set accurate odds for player props.

In contrast, college sports often have less detailed information available on individual players. Some teams don’t provide full injury reports or detailed stats, which makes it harder for sportsbooks to create balanced odds for player prop bets. Without reliable data, sportsbooks are more likely to restrict these bets to avoid creating unfair markets.

State-by-State Differences in College Sports Betting

The regulations on college sports betting can vary significantly from state to state. While some states allow broad betting options, others restrict certain bet types, especially those involving college athletes. For example:

• New York: While betting on college sports is legal, you can’t place bets on individual player performances in college games.
• Pennsylvania: Similar to New York, Pennsylvania limits bets on player performances to protect college sports’ integrity.

Because each state can choose how to regulate college sports betting, it’s important to know your state’s specific rules before placing a wager.

Conclusion: Why Player Prop Bets Are Not Available for College Sports

The absence of player prop bets in college sports is largely due to state regulations and the need to protect the integrity of amateur athletics. State laws limit these types of wagers to reduce the risks of manipulation and ensure fair play. Additionally, the limited availability of comprehensive player data makes it harder for sportsbooks to set accurate odds for college player props. For now, sportsbooks will continue to focus on team-based betting for college sports, ensuring a fair and secure betting environment.