NCAA Boosts Responsible Gambling Campaign Due to Betting Ring Scandal

By Matt Speakman,
Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

Matt Speakman Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

A die-hard fan of the Patriots, Matt Speakman is an expert on everything related to sports betting and DFS sites. Over the years, he has proven a valuable asset for our team at online-gambling.com. You can find Speakman's professional tips and tricks in any of his many articles on the website.

• Twitter
• Email

More About Matt Speakman

Last updated: April 21, 2025

Throughout March Madness, the NCAA has boosted its “Draw the Line” responsible gambling campaign. In the meantime, US authorities are investigating an illegal betting ring connected to pro and college basketball.

March Madness is Over, Investigations Continue

On April 7, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament ended with the University of Florida winning against Houston 65–63. The team claimed its third title, its first since 2007. Throughout March Madness, the NCAA has encouraged players to gamble responsibly. The “Draw the Line” campaign focused on gambling risks and was spreading the message via airing ads and a courtside stanchion at the Final Four.

Even though these efforts are pointing in the right direction, the campaign comes amid a scandal involving the domestic sports betting market, particularly pro and college basketball. Over the last few months, authorities have been investigating a handful of schools that might be connected with an illegal betting ring. The Final Four in San Antonio didn’t bring any updates on the case.

Sports Betting Challenges at NCAA East Regional in Newark

In March, the NCAA held the East Regional in Newark, New Jersey, one of the first states to legalize sports betting. Unlike in other US jurisdictions, NJ residents can’t bet on college events from within the state.

Hours before the game, the NJDGE issued two cease-and-desist orders to Kalshi and Robinhood, both popular prediction markets. The reason being that the platforms have expanded their options to include sports event outcomes. On the next day, Robinhood removed college basketball markets from its NJ website.

Cooper Flagg of Duke, named the 2025 Naismith Player of the Year, showed his talent in Newark. He led his school to the Final Four for the second time in four years. During the regular season, Flagg helped the Blue Devils secure two wins against their archrival, North Carolina.

The Gambling Ring and Suspicious Activities in the NCAA

Federal law enforcement authorities arrested a man in Las Vegas before he could board a flight at Las Vegas airport. Shane Hennen, a professional poker player, tried to escape to Colombia via Panama and was suspected of organizing an illegal enterprise involved in fraudulent sports wagers ”totaling millions of dollars”, the documents states.

The betting ring has been under investigation for a point-shaving scandal ever since. Last year, sports betting integrity firm IC360 received multiple reports on offshore betting around Temple basketball games. In particular, the March 7 tilt against UAB drew attention with its rapid line fluctuations, which are a market for illicit activity.

According to sources, the investigation expanded to cover at least six Division I programs by November. ESPN reported that the games in question included several mid-major programs, such as Eastern Michigan, North Carolina A&T, and Mississippi Valley State. The scheme involving Hennen allegedly connects to another case, which involves former Toronto Raptors center Jontay Porter, who awaits sentencing for conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

As investigations continue, sports bodies and legal organizations want to spread the right message. The NCAA’s “Draw the Line” campaign sets the stage for a future where responsible gambling is the norm – gambling addiction awareness and fair play must be a priority.