Illinois College Athletes Can Now Profit Off Of NIL, But Sports Gambling Endorsements Are Prohibited

This week, Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois approved a law that permits college athletes to earn money from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).

The NCAA could no longer prevent institutions from allowing their athletes to do so, a decision made shortly after the US Supreme Court ruled unanimously.

Illinois is one of nearly twenty-four states that have adopted this policy, which prohibits student-athletes from endorsing gambling or sports betting agreements.

Given Illinois’ complex history with in-state college sports betting, it is not unexpected that this element would be present. Additionally, while this is a new frontier for the US, it is consistent with the decisions made by other states.

In addition, athletes are legally restricted from entering into sponsorship agreements for adult entertainment, performance-enhancing supplements, cannabis, tobacco, alcohol, or e-cigarettes.

Pritzker remarked on the new rules, stating:

The statement suggests that the advantages of this law extend beyond just those children aiming to join the NFL or NBA. It states that all student athletes have the opportunity to collaborate with local businesses, as well as both large and small companies, to receive financial benefits for their efforts.

As a result of this, students will be able to establish endorsement deals and earn money for teaching classes in their favorite sport. Additionally, it may also enable them to use their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) to raise funds for charitable causes.

Josh Whitman, the Athletic Director of Illinois, who is well-known for opposing in-state college sports betting, now supports the law.

This day marks the beginning of a new era in college sports, as the legislation surrounding name, image, and likeness has become the most impactful change to the collegiate model since the introduction of athletic scholarships in the 1950s.

State-by-state school betting is also prohibited in Illinois.

Illinois residents will still be unable to place bets on their home college team once the college football season starts.

However, there may be a change in October when the Illinois House passed a bill mandating that bets on Illinois colleges must be placed in person. While this may not be ideal for some, it does signify a step forward in policy.

The state Senate did not evaluate the bill in time for a vote a few weeks ago. However, this matter needs to be addressed during the filibuster session when the government meets again in October.

There could be cause for optimism regarding the Senate’s potential to remove the in-person requirement from the bill.

The ban is anticipated to be lifted in October, enabling Illinois residents to wager on both the entire basketball season and the last two months of college football.

But how exactly? That apostrophe hangs suspended in midair.

As previously stated, Whitman is the leading opponent of legal in-state college betting. During an April House Executive Committee hearing, he expressed his views on the matter in the following manner:

Frequently, their self-image is greatly impacted by the remarks they make about strangers on social media. This is a prevalent issue in present-day college sports. Allowing individuals in our state to wager on our student athletes is essentially encouraging them to engage in hostile, intimidating, and abusive interactions with them.

Could the possibility of athletes profiting from their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) have influenced some Illinois legislators to treat them more favorably than amateurs, despite the prohibition on signing endorsement deals with bookmakers?

In the upcoming month, we will be discussing current and controversial issues such as school athletics and college sports betting.