"A letter signed by athletes from every Big Ten school on Tuesday implored NCAA president Charlie Baker to continue pushing for the reduction or elimination of prop bets in college sports due to threats posed to the integrity of the competition and to the safety of athletes across the country, who are subjected to an overwhelming number of death threats."
"Both types of wagers are increasingly common as states use sports betting to raise tax revenue. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, tax revenue from sports gambling has increased from $190 million nationally in the third quarter of 2021, when data collection began, to $917 million in the second quarter of 2025."
"The SAIC features athletes from each Big Ten school. Nebraska basketball player Callin Hake serves as chair, with Washington's Franck Kepnang (basketball), Oregon's Russell Soohoo (tennis), UCLA's Jaidin Russell (volleyball) and USC's Madison Whyte (track and field) representing the West Coast membership. Sports betting is illegal in California and permitted only at tribal casinos (in-person) in Washington. In Oregon, wagering on college sports is prohibited."
Athletes from every Big Ten school urged NCAA president Charlie Baker to reduce or eliminate individual proposition (prop) bets in college sports, citing threats to competitive integrity and athlete safety. The Big Ten Student-Athlete Issues Commission (SAIC) said prop bets put athletes at the center of gambling outcomes and expose them to backlash and death threats. Prop bets target single-player performances, unlike point-spread or over/under wagers tied to final scores. U.S. Census Bureau figures show sports gambling tax receipts rose from $190 million in Q3 2021 to $917 million in Q2 2025. The SAIC is chaired by Nebraska's Callin Hake and includes representatives from each Big Ten school, while sports betting legality varies by state.
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