College Sports Betting Rules by State: What You Can and Can't Bet On
Betting on college sports is legal in most states that have legalized sports wagering, but the rules are far more complicated than betting on professional leagues. Many states impose unique restrictions on college events that do not apply to the NFL, NBA, or other pro sports. Some states ban college betting entirely. Others prohibit wagers on in-state teams or block specific bet types like player props.
These restrictions exist because college athletes are amateurs, often unpaid beyond scholarships, and lawmakers worry about the integrity risks that come with betting on their performances. The result is a patchwork of rules that varies significantly from one state to the next.
This guide breaks down college sports betting rules across the United States, covering which states allow it, which impose restrictions, and what types of bets are available depending on where you are located. For a broader overview of sports betting legality beyond college-specific rules, see our complete guide to US sports betting laws.
The Legal Framework for College Sports Betting
The modern era of legal sports betting in the United States began in May 2018 when the US Supreme Court struck down the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). That ruling gave each state the authority to legalize and regulate sports betting on its own terms. Most states that moved forward with legalization included college sports in their frameworks, but many added restrictions that do not apply to professional sports.
Why College Sports Have Different Rules
Several factors drive the distinction between college and professional sports betting:
- Amateur athlete protection. College athletes are students first. Lawmakers in many states view betting on individual college player performances as a potential source of harassment, pressure, or exploitation.
- Academic integrity concerns. Universities are educational institutions. Some state legislators believe that allowing unrestricted betting on college events could compromise academic environments.
- NCAA influence. The National Collegiate Athletic Association has historically opposed sports betting and has lobbied for restrictions in states considering legalization. While the NCAA has softened its public stance in recent years, its advocacy helped shape early legislation in several states.
- Point-shaving history. College sports have a documented history of gambling-related scandals, from the 1951 CCNY point-shaving scandal to more recent cases. This history makes legislators more cautious about college betting than professional sports.
These concerns have led to three main categories of college betting restrictions: full bans, in-state team restrictions, and player prop bans.
States That Ban College Sports Betting Entirely
A small number of states have legalized sports betting but explicitly excluded college sports from their frameworks. In these states, you cannot legally wager on any college sporting event, regardless of the teams involved.
As of early 2026, the states that prohibit all college sports betting include:
- Vermont - Excluded college sports from its initial sports betting legislation
- Oregon - The state lottery-run sportsbook does not offer college sports markets
The list of states with full college bans is relatively short and may continue to shrink as legislators observe the revenue generated by college sports betting in other states. Several states that initially considered full bans ultimately opted for partial restrictions instead.
States That Restrict In-State College Betting
The most common college betting restriction is a ban on wagering on games involving in-state college teams. This means you can bet on college sports generally, but not on teams from universities located within the state where you are placing the bet.
How In-State Restrictions Work
In-state restrictions typically apply in two ways:
- Games involving in-state teams. You cannot bet on any game where an in-state college team is a participant, whether as the home or away team.
- Events hosted in-state. Some states also restrict betting on college events held within the state, even if neither team is based there (though this is less common).
For example, if you are in a state with an in-state restriction and your state university is playing an out-of-state opponent, you cannot bet on that game. However, you could bet on a game between two schools from other states.
States with In-State College Betting Restrictions
The following states prohibit betting on in-state college teams or college events hosted within the state:
| State | Restriction Details |
|---|---|
| Illinois | Previously banned in-state college bets; restriction was repealed in 2024, allowing full college betting |
| Indiana | No in-state college event betting restrictions currently, but player props on college athletes are banned |
| Iowa | Previously restricted in-state college betting; lifted the restriction |
| New Jersey | Cannot bet on college events that take place in New Jersey or on New Jersey college teams |
| New York | Cannot bet on college sports events involving New York schools |
| Virginia | Cannot bet on games involving Virginia college teams |
This landscape continues to evolve. Several states that originally enacted in-state restrictions have since repealed them after observing that bettors simply crossed state lines or used offshore sites to place those wagers. Illinois is a notable example: it removed its in-state college betting ban in 2024 after determining the restriction was not achieving its intended purpose.
Player Prop Bans on College Sports
Player proposition bets (player props) allow you to wager on individual athlete performances, such as how many passing yards a quarterback will throw for or how many points a basketball player will score. Many states that allow college sports betting still ban player props on college athletes specifically.
Why Player Props Are Restricted
Player props are singled out because they focus directly on individual student-athletes rather than team outcomes. The concern is that:
- Individual athletes could face harassment or pressure from bettors who have money riding on their personal stats
- Player props create stronger incentives for individual manipulation compared to game outcomes
- Student-athletes are younger, less experienced, and potentially more vulnerable to outside influence than professional athletes
State-by-State Player Prop Policies
| State | College Player Props Allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | No | Player props banned for all college sports |
| Colorado | Yes | No restrictions on college player props |
| Connecticut | No | Player props banned for college events |
| Illinois | No | College player props remain banned even after in-state restriction was lifted |
| Indiana | No | Player props banned for college athletes |
| Kansas | No | Player props banned for college sports |
| Louisiana | No | Player props banned for college events |
| Maryland | No | Player props banned for college sports |
| Massachusetts | No | Player props banned for college athletes |
| Michigan | Yes | No restrictions on college player props |
| New Jersey | No | Player props banned for college sports |
| New York | No | Player props banned for college events |
| Ohio | No | Player props banned for college sports |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | No restrictions on college player props |
| Tennessee | No | Player props banned for college athletes |
| Virginia | No | Player props banned for college sports |
This table is not exhaustive. States not listed generally allow college player props if they allow college betting at all, but rules change frequently. Always check your sportsbook or your state gaming commission for the most current information.
Comprehensive State-by-State College Betting Rules
The following table provides a high-level overview of college sports betting rules across states with legal sports wagering. Because legislation changes regularly, verify current rules through your state gaming commission or licensed sportsbook.
| State | College Betting Allowed? | In-State Restrictions? | Player Props Allowed? | Notable Rules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona | Yes | No | No | College player props banned |
| Arkansas | Yes | No | Yes | Retail and mobile available |
| Colorado | Yes | No | Yes | One of the most open college betting markets |
| Connecticut | Yes | No | No | College player props banned |
| Illinois | Yes | No (repealed 2024) | No | In-state ban lifted; player props still banned |
| Indiana | Yes | No | No | College player props banned |
| Iowa | Yes | No (lifted) | Yes | Previously had in-state restriction |
| Kansas | Yes | No | No | College player props banned |
| Louisiana | Yes | No | No | College player props banned |
| Maryland | Yes | No | No | College player props banned |
| Massachusetts | Yes | No | No | College player props banned |
| Michigan | Yes | No | Yes | Few restrictions on college betting |
| Nevada | Yes | No | Yes | Full college betting allowed |
| New Jersey | Yes | Yes | No | Cannot bet on NJ college teams or in-state events; player props banned |
| New York | Yes | Yes | No | Cannot bet on NY college teams; player props banned |
| Ohio | Yes | No | No | College player props banned |
| Oregon | No | N/A | N/A | College sports not offered through state lottery sportsbook |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | No | Yes | One of the more permissive states for college betting |
| Tennessee | Yes | No | No | College player props banned |
| Vermont | No | N/A | N/A | College sports excluded from legal betting |
| Virginia | Yes | Yes | No | Cannot bet on VA college teams; player props banned |
States not listed in this table that have legalized sports betting generally allow college sports wagering without major restrictions. However, regulations change frequently, so check with your state gaming authority for the latest rules.
College Football Betting Rules
College football is the most popular college sport for betting, driven by massive events like the College Football Playoff and traditional rivalry games. Most states that allow college sports betting include college football in their offerings, but the restrictions described above still apply.
If your state bans player props on college athletes, you will not be able to bet on individual player performances for college football games. This means bet types like "Player X to score over 1.5 touchdowns" or "Quarterback Y to throw over 250 yards" will not be available.
Game-level bets such as point spreads, moneylines, totals (over/under), and futures (like conference championship or CFP winners) are generally available in every state that allows college betting.
For a detailed guide on strategies and bet types specific to college football, see our college football betting guide.
March Madness and College Basketball Betting Rules
The NCAA basketball tournament, commonly known as March Madness, is one of the biggest betting events of the year. The combination of bracket pools, upsets, and a compressed tournament schedule makes it extremely popular with both casual and serious bettors.
The same state-level restrictions apply during March Madness as they do during the regular season:
- In-state restrictions mean you cannot bet on your in-state teams during the tournament if your state has that rule. This can be particularly frustrating during March Madness when a local team makes a deep run.
- Player prop bans prevent you from betting on individual player performances during tournament games in states with that restriction.
- Full college bans mean no March Madness betting at all through legal channels in those states.
One nuance worth noting: some states restrict betting on college events hosted within the state. If your state hosts tournament games (first or second round games rotate through various venues), there may be restrictions on betting those specific matchups depending on your state laws.
For strategies, bracket betting tips, and tournament-specific analysis, check out our March Madness betting guide.
You can also explore our college basketball betting guide for regular-season strategies and insights.
How College Betting Rules Affect You in Practice
Understanding the rules is one thing. Knowing how they affect your actual betting experience is another. Here are the practical realities of college betting restrictions.
Geolocation and State Lines
All legal online sportsbooks use geolocation technology to verify your physical location when you place a bet. This means:
- Your location when betting matters, not your home address. If you live in a state with strict college betting rules but travel to a state with fewer restrictions, you can access the less restrictive rules while you are physically in that state.
- State lines are strictly enforced. You cannot spoof your location or use a VPN to appear in a different state. Sportsbooks take geolocation compliance seriously, and attempting to circumvent it can result in account suspension.
- Rules apply to where you are, not where the game is played. If you are in Colorado (which has few restrictions), you can bet on a game taking place in New York even though New York has its own in-state restrictions.
What Shows Up on Your Sportsbook App
Licensed sportsbooks automatically filter their offerings based on your location. If your state bans college player props, those markets simply will not appear in the app. You do not need to memorize the rules; the sportsbook handles compliance. However, understanding the rules helps you know what to expect and why certain bet types may not be available.
Traveling Bettors
If you regularly travel between states, your betting options will change depending on where you are. Bettors who live near state borders often take advantage of this by understanding which neighboring states offer more permissive college betting rules.
Tips for Betting on College Sports Legally
Whether you are new to college sports betting or navigating a state with restrictions, these tips will help:
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Use only licensed sportsbooks. Every state with legal sports betting maintains a list of approved operators. Using an unlicensed offshore sportsbook offers no legal protections and may violate state law.
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Verify your state rules before placing college bets. Rules change as new legislation passes. What was restricted last season may be allowed this season, and vice versa. Your sportsbook app will reflect current rules, but staying informed helps you plan your betting strategy.
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Understand which bet types are available. Even in states with player prop bans, you typically have access to point spreads, moneylines, totals, futures, and game props (team-level props). There are plenty of betting options even with restrictions.
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Do not attempt to bypass geolocation. Using VPNs, location spoofing, or other methods to circumvent state restrictions violates the terms of service of every legal sportsbook and may violate state law. If caught, you risk losing your account and any funds in it.
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Watch for legislative changes. College betting rules are among the most frequently updated aspects of state sports betting law. States regularly revisit restrictions based on how well the market is performing and whether concerns about integrity have materialized.
For a full picture of what is and is not legal where you live, our state-by-state sports betting legality guide covers all aspects of US sports betting law beyond college-specific rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bet on college sports in my state?
It depends on where you are located. Most states with legal sports betting do allow wagering on college sports, but a few states like Vermont and Oregon exclude college events from their legal sportsbooks. The majority of states allow college game bets (spreads, moneylines, totals) even if they restrict certain bet types like player props.
Why do some states ban betting on in-state college teams?
Lawmakers in states like New Jersey, New York, and Virginia enacted in-state restrictions to protect local universities and their student-athletes from the potential negative effects of sports betting. The concern is that betting on hometown teams creates closer connections between bettors and local athletes, increasing the risk of harassment or integrity issues. Some states have since repealed these restrictions after finding they were ineffective.
What are player prop bets and why are they restricted for college sports?
Player prop bets are wagers on individual athlete performances, such as a quarterback throwing over 300 yards or a basketball player scoring 20 or more points. They are restricted for college sports in many states because they focus attention and financial stakes directly on amateur student-athletes. Legislators worry this could lead to pressure on individual players or create incentives for point-shaving and other integrity violations.
Can I bet on the College Football Playoff?
Yes, in most states that allow college sports betting. The College Football Playoff is treated like any other college football event under state law. You can typically bet on game outcomes (spreads, moneylines, totals) and futures (which team will win the CFP). However, if your state bans college player props, those markets will not be available for CFP games. If your state has in-state restrictions and one of your state schools is in the playoff, you may not be able to bet on their games.
Is it legal to bet on March Madness?
In most states with legal sports betting, yes. March Madness betting is available for game-level bets like spreads and totals. Player prop restrictions and in-state team restrictions still apply during the tournament, just as they do during the regular season. States that ban college betting entirely do not offer March Madness markets.
What happens if I place a college sports bet in a state where it is restricted?
Licensed sportsbooks use geolocation technology to prevent you from placing bets that are not legal in your current location. If college sports betting or specific college bet types are restricted in your state, those markets simply will not appear on your sportsbook app. You cannot accidentally place an illegal college bet through a licensed operator. If you use an unlicensed offshore sportsbook, you have no such protections and may face legal consequences.
Are college sports betting rules changing?
Yes, college betting rules are among the most dynamic aspects of US sports betting legislation. Several states have relaxed restrictions since initially legalizing sports betting. Illinois removed its in-state college betting ban in 2024, and Iowa lifted similar restrictions. The trend is generally toward fewer restrictions as states gain more experience with regulated college sports betting and as revenue data makes the case for broader access.
Which states have the fewest restrictions on college sports betting?
States like Colorado, Michigan, Nevada, and Pennsylvania are among the most permissive for college sports betting. These states allow wagering on all college sports, including games involving in-state teams, and do not ban player props on college athletes. Colorado in particular stands out for having very few restrictions on any form of sports betting.
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