SEC sets mandatory sports gambling education for athletes ahead of 2026-27 season

May 28, 2026 - 03:35

The Southeastern Conference is requiring all its athletes to complete a mandatory educational program on sports gambling before they can play in regular-season games. The new rule takes effect for the 2026-27 academic year and applies to every athlete across all sports.

Under the policy, each athlete must watch a video that explains the risks and consequences tied to sports betting. The video covers topics like addiction, financial loss, and the potential for permanent bans if athletes bet on games they are involved in. The SEC says the goal is to protect athletes from exploitation and to keep competition clean.

The move comes as legal sports betting expands rapidly across the United States. More than 30 states now allow some form of wagering, and college campuses have seen a sharp rise in gambling-related incidents. Several high-profile cases in recent years involved athletes who placed bets on their own teams or shared inside information.

The SEC worked with gambling awareness experts and former athletes to develop the video. It will be shown during preseason meetings, and athletes must confirm they watched it before they are cleared to play. The conference says it will track compliance and may add follow-up sessions in future seasons.

Critics argue that a single video is not enough to change behavior, especially when betting ads are everywhere. Supporters say it is a necessary first step. The SEC plans to review the program after the first year and consider expanding it to include coaches and staff.