Big Ten SAIC Asks the NCAA to Crack Down on Player Props

Athletes from one of the country’s largest NCAA conferences are calling for change.

The Big Ten Student-Athlete Issues Commission (SAIC) has sent a written statement to NCAA President Charlie Baker, requesting changes to player prop betting. The letter highlighted the controversial bet type’s link to the uptick in athlete harassment and its impact on the mental health of athletes.

 “Prop betting exposes student-athletes to increased and aggravated social media pressure and harassment,” the SAIC’s statement reads. “Many student-athletes receive angry messages, threats, or public criticism from bettors when wagers do not hit. This kind of treatment is harmful, unnecessary, and often relentless.”

While the statement is written as a request to Baker, it is actually a form of support for the NCAA chief. He has been calling attention to athlete harassment, urging states to restrict or even ban the controversial betting type. 

While several states have made changes to NCAA player prop bets, not all have been willing to eliminate the bet type. The recently launched Missouri sports betting market includes the bet type, with the state deciding there wasn’t enough evidence to support Baker’s claims.

SAIC’s statement will lend Baker’s argument greater authority and compel lawmakers to address the athletes directly. 

Generating Change around Player Props is Difficult

Missouri's decision to ignore Baker’s warnings about NCAA player prop bets may seem odd, but it is not unwarranted.

Kambi released its 2025 betting trends report earlier this year, which highlighted key data on player prop betting. The company found that the bet is helping to generate significant revenue for sportsbooks and states. It also found that bettors who wager on player props are about three times as active as those who don’t.

Player props are also a common fixture in parlays, which generate much of an operator’s revenue. These multi-leg wagers tempt bettors with large payouts, but lose at an incredibly high rate. A ban or restriction on player props could affect the number of parlays placed.

That is why markets like Missouri have been hesitant to support Baker’s campaign. The loss of revenue doesn’t just affect sportsbooks; it would also limit the critical tax revenue the industry generates. That’s why the Show-Me State is looking for more before making updates to its brand-new market.