NATIONWIDE— The NCAA has formally approved a rule change that will permit student-athletes and athletic department staff to place legal bets on professional sports. The change, which was ratified by the Division II and III management councils on Wednesday, will go into effect on November 1.

The move follows the Division I cabinet’s approval two weeks prior. It comes as the NCAA acknowledges the evolving landscape of sports betting and a recent increase in gambling-related violations.

Crucially, the rule does not change the NCAA’s strict prohibition on athletes betting on any college sports competition—including their own or other NCAA events. Athletes and staff also remain barred from sharing confidential information about college competitions with bettors.

Despite approving the change

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