Athletes from Iowa State University and the University of Iowa who were being investigated for gambling on games received some positive news this week. The NCAA’s Division I legislative committee has reduced the penalties for offenders, which could have a significant impact. Previously, athletes could have missed an entire season for violating the NCAA’s gambling rule. However, the new guidelines state that athletes who engage in activities to influence game outcomes or provide information to those involved in sports betting may face permanent loss of eligibility. This also applies to athletes who bet on their own games or other sports at their own schools. If athletes bet on their own sport at another school, they will need to undergo sports wagering education and may lose 50% of one season of eligibility. For other gambling violations, the dollar value of the wagers will be considered for reinstatement. The penalties range from sports wagering education for bets of $200 or less, to loss of 30% of eligibility for bets exceeding $800. The new guidelines reflect the changing landscape of sports wagering, which has been legalized in many states. It is also worth noting that previous guidelines would have resulted in the loss of one full season of eligibility for any student-athlete who wagered on sports at any level. The investigation involving Iowa State and Iowa athletes is still ongoing, and both universities have yet to comment on the NCAA’s decision.
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