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Armando Bacot, Jae'Lyn Withers, and Zayden High of the North Carolina Tar Heels look on against the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Armando Bacot, Jae’Lyn Withers, and Zayden High of the North Carolina Tar Heels look on against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Harry How/Getty Images via AFP.

North Carolina, the latest state to legalize sports betting, may soon change its top sports betting websites by eliminating college prop markets from their options.

North Carolina is considering banning college prop markets in sports betting at the request of NCAA President Charlie Baker, despite some legislators in the region pushing back against the proposal.

The debate over the benefits of college prop betting is stirring up controversy and could significantly impact North Carolina sports betting apps.

Those in favor of the ban

Last month, Baker stated his belief that the top sports betting apps should start eliminating player prop bets involving college athletes.

Baker noted that sports betting problems are increasing nationwide, particularly with prop bets posing a threat to fair competition and causing harassment towards student-athletes and professional athletes. The NCAA has been collaborating with states to address these issues, resulting in many states prohibiting college prop bets.

Former college athlete and Olympic swimmer Rep. Marcia Morey is advocating for the prohibition of college player props at top sportsbooks. She intends to propose a bill that would eliminate bets on the individual performances of college players for users of North Carolina sportsbook promotions.

She expressed concern for the players who are under immense pressure while playing the game. It is important to give them some relief. The constant awareness that their every move is being scrutinized and bet upon can detract from their enjoyment of the sport.

Morey is just one of several politicians in North Carolina who are advocating for the state to follow in the footsteps of Louisiana, Ohio, Maryland, and Vermont by embracing sports betting apps. Moreover, New Jersey is also contemplating implementing a ban on these apps.

Those against the ban

In contrast to other jurisdictions that have prohibited prop betting on college athletics, North Carolina has a strong vocal opposition.

Rep. Jason Saine believes that even if the behavior were to stop tomorrow, there would still be fanatical individuals who would continue to act inappropriately. He emphasizes the importance of following societal rules, such as not threatening others, and does not believe that creating new rules is necessary to address this issue.

At the same time, there are discussions about completely prohibiting college sports betting on platforms offering the most attractive sportsbook promotions.

Senator Jim Perry suggested that it would be more effective to introduce legislation that prohibits the NCAA.

What players are saying … and doing

More and more players and coaches are expressing concerns about the negative aspects of prop betting in sports.

Armando Bacot, a former North Carolina basketball player, expressed his dismay by stating, “It’s really upsetting. After checking my DMs, I received over a hundred messages from individuals criticizing my performance and saying that I am not good enough because of my lack of rebounds. I believe that the situation has escalated beyond what is acceptable.”

J.B. Bickerstaff, the coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, revealed that he has been threatened by bettors, while Tyrese Haliburton, the All-Star guard for the Indiana Pacers, expressed feeling like a mere “prop” on the court.

Furthermore, Rudy Gobert expressed his concern about the impact of betting on the game, stating that it is damaging the sport and should not be such a prominent aspect.

Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter has been permanently banned from the NBA due to engaging in multiple instances of betting irregularities over the last few months.