PHAI Challenges NCAA's Partnership for Sports Betting Data

Summary

• Last week, the National Collegiate Athletic Association signed a new sports betting data agreement with Genius Sports.
• The Public Health Advocacy Institute raised concerns about the collaboration, highlighting the risks associated with micro bets.
• Institute leaders criticize the NCAA for accepting funds from the gambling industry.

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Late last week, Genius Sports, a rapidly expanding and innovative sports technology company, announced a new agreement with the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Through this partnership, Genius Sports becomes the exclusive provider of official NCAA data to licensed sports betting companies during March Madness and all postseason tournaments through 2032. The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI), a nonprofit legal research center focused on public health, criticized the NCAA's decision following the announcement of the deal.

Micro bets on college sports may result in gambling harm

On Monday, the Institute criticized the Association for prioritizing financial gain over public health and the safety of student-athletes by partnering with Genius Sports to sell real-time sports data to the gambling industry. This partnership between Genius Sports and the NCAA is set to introduce AI-driven micro-betting on college sports to the gambling sector, according to the Institute. The Public Health Advocacy Institute (PHAI) describes micro-betting as an online sports wagering form that poses significant risks due to its addictive and hazardous nature. Micro-bets, powered by machine learning and AI, provide a

the Institute noted, cautioning that this relentless activity elevates the potential for gambling-related harm and addiction. This recent decision by the NCAA to collaborate with Genius Sports starkly contrasts with earlier discussions. Back in December, Charlie Baker, the Association's President, advocated for a federal ban on college proposition bets during an appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

PHAI remains dedicated to protecting the public

Richard Daynard, the Founder and President of PHAI, expressed his opposition to the NCAA's decision, stating that rather than opposing the gambling industry, the Association has chosen to align with it.

he added. Daynard further stated, Mark Gottlieb, Executive Director of PHAI, remarked, Dr. Harry Levant, Director of Gambling Policy at PHAI, also voiced concerns about the collaboration between Genius Sports and the NCAA. He pointed out that the agreement heightens the risk of gambling-related harm, as bettors will now be able to wager on virtually every aspect of college players' performances in games. Dr. Levant criticized the decision to allocate proceeds from the agreement to fund educational programs. All three executives also condemned the NCAA for the lack of transparency displayed during the deal's negotiation.