As a former Gonzaga student-athlete, I was keenly aware that engaging in sports betting was off-limits. However, beyond that restriction, I had no understanding of what responsible gaming meant.

Fast forward to the modern-day student-athlete, where betting is more closely linked to their game than ever before. The ability to be compensated for their name, image, and likeness (NIL) has given athletes unprecedented freedom to build their brand and connect with worldwide audiences. This increased visibility naturally brings more attention to the wagering markets offered on their competitions and individual performances. It is not something to shy away from, but something to understand and embrace when done so responsibly.

Student-athletes won’t be student-athletes forever, but in the meantime, their responsibilities entail passing their classes, remaining healthy, and adhering to policy. 2024 includes another addition: not participating in prohibited wagering activities, which could result in temporary or permanent loss of eligibility.

For most student-athletes, these are the years that define their future. Life after sports can be fulfilled through a professional career, starting a family, or pursuing hobbies. However, an introduction to the sports betting and gaming ecosystem may substitute the thrill of feeling engaged in a role that sports once occupied.

In my case, life after volleyball turned into finding fulfillment in a career. I’ll never forget my initial interview at IC360, a sports betting technology firm. When asked if I knew “basic betting terminology,” I realized I could be in trouble when I had a brief answer, to say the least. Six months earlier, I had broken my hand, forfeiting an overseas contract. Now, I was ready to be part of a new team. Ignorance in sports betting was no longer bliss– it was an opportunity for growth.

Guiding today’s student-athletes is crucial, especially as sports betting has become the premier engagement tool for fans. Empowering them with the knowledge to remain eligible and safe is a foundational concept of responsible gaming. Open conversations on this topic are essential to building confidence in an industry that’s working diligently to create a positive and secure environment for all stakeholders.

As the conversation surrounding student-athletes and mental health continues to evolve, it is equally important to prepare them for a life beyond the collegiate sports experience. We’ve arrived on the horizon of propelling athletes into a life beyond the bounds of the NCAA handbook and into the next chapter of their lives.