Missouri regulators are preparing to decide Thursday whether to restrict certain college sports wagering options, a move that could reshape the state’s newly launched betting market. The Missouri Gaming Commission will vote on whether to prohibit individual player prop bets and additional college basketball wagers, less than two months after sports betting became legal statewide.
The review follows a letter sent to the commission by NCAA President Charlie Baker describing recent gambling violations involving student-athletes. The NCAA said 11 athletes from seven schools nationwide, including one in Missouri, either bet on their own performances or shared inside information with bettors. After receiving the letter, the commission opened a public comment period to gather feedback on potential rule changes.
NCAA Cites Integrity And Athlete Safety Concerns
Baker’s request aligns with a broader NCAA push to limit individual player prop markets in college sports. The letter references a federal indictment that included more than 30 college basketball players accused of participating in a point-shaving scheme. Investigators alleged that individual performance markets were targeted for manipulation.
“To better protect student-athletes, game officials and competitions, state laws and regulations must be amended to remove the types of bets we know are being manipulated,” the letter stated. “Player prop bets increase the risk of insider information being solicited and/or leveraged to manipulate betting markets. Student-athletes, unlike professional athletes, are far more accessible to other students and members of the public.”
The NCAA also pointed to harassment linked to betting activity. During last year’s men’s basketball tournament, the association and Signify identified more than 3,000 abusive social media posts directed at student-athletes, resulting in 103 investigations and 10 referrals to law enforcement. NCAA data shows roughly 36% of Division I men’s basketball players reported receiving abusive messages from people with betting interests.
“In light of these developments, in addition to the conduct the NCAA has uncovered and continues to investigate, the NCAA reiterates its request that state laws and regulations be amended to better protect student-athletes, game officials and the integrity of NCAA competitions,” Baker wrote.
Betting Activity And Markets Under Review
Missouri’s public comment period closed this week, drawing only one submission as of Wednesday morning. Current rules already prevent wagers on individual players from Missouri-based schools. The commission said it is still collecting data on how much has been wagered on college player props since betting began.
Industry observers say those bets account for a small share of wagering nationwide. “The argument against these player prop bans is there are offshore books that exist in Missouri that will still take action and there’s no way to protect them. But the argument for them is there[…],”Ryan Butler, senior editor at Covers.com, said.
The NCAA also asked Missouri to consider banning certain first-half betting markets in college basketball. Prosecutors allege that athletes were offered between $10,000 and $30,000 to influence outcomes in those markets.
Several states, including Ohio, Maryland, Vermont and Louisiana, already ban college player prop betting. Missouri regulators are expected to decide Thursday whether similar restrictions will apply.
Source:
“Missouri to decide on ban for NCAA player prop bets Thursday”, fox4kc.com, January 22, 2026
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