NCAA launches anti-harassment video targeted at March Madness sports bettors: ‘Don’t Be a Loser’

The 2025 NCAA Tournament: A Celebration of Basketball and a Call for Respect

The 2025 NCAA Tournament, commonly known as March Madness, officially tipped off on Tuesday night with the first of the "First Four" games. These initial matchups set the stage for the highly anticipated bracket reveal, signaling the start of one of the most thrilling sporting events in the United States. While fans eagerly anticipate the excitement of college basketball, the tournament has also become a hub for sports betting, with millions of dollars expected to be wagered on the outcomes of the games. However, as the stakes rise, so do concerns about the darker side of fandom—harassment of players and teams tied to betting losses.

The NCAA’s “Don’t Be a Loser” Campaign: Addressing Betting-Related Harassment

In response to the growing issue of harassment linked to sports betting, the NCAA launched a powerful campaign titled “Don’t Be a Loser” on Tuesday. The campaign, shared across social media platforms, urges fans to avoid taking their betting losses out on student-athletes. The video emphasizes that harassing college athletes over lost bets is unacceptable andpthat such behavior reflects poorly on the perpetrators. “Only a loser would harass college athletes after losing a bet,” the video states, highlighting the unfortunate reality that this type of abuse happens almost daily. The campaign is part of a broader effort to protect student-athletes from the toxic consequences of betting-related harassment.

The Rise of Sports Betting and Its Impact on March Madness

The American Gaming Association (AGA) revealed that an estimated $3.1 billion is expected to be legally wagered on the men’s and women’s NCAA Tournaments in 2025. This figure represents a 12% year-over-year increase and more than doubles the $1.39 billion wagered on Super Bowl LIX earlier this year. Since the federal ban on sports betting was lifted in 2018, the industry has grown exponentially, with March Madness becoming one of the most bet-on events in the country. While this surge in legal betting has brought new revenue opportunities, it has also led to a troubling trend: athletes, both at the college and professional levels, are increasingly targeted by disgruntled bettors.

The Alarming Reality of Athlete Harassment

The NCAA has released troubling data about the extent of harassment faced by student-athletes. According to recent findings, one in three high-profile athletes receives abusive messages from individuals with a betting interest. A staggering 90% of this harassment occurs online or through social media platforms. For March Madness specifically, a study conducted by the NCAA in October 2024 found that 80% of online abuse during the tournament is directed at players. Perhaps most disturbingly, the study revealed that women’s players are nearly three times more likely to receive threats compared to men’s players. NCAA President Charlie Baker has called attention to this issue, stating, “Angry fans are sending numerous abusive messages and threats to student-athletes, publicly and privately, because of lost bets placed on the athlete’s performance in a game. These actions severely threaten student-athlete mental health and well-being, while harming the college athletics environment. We need fans to do better.”

A Call to Action for Fans and the Sports Community

The NCAA’s “Don’t Be a Loser” campaign is a direct appeal to fans to recognize the human impact of their actions. Student-athletes, many of whom are still teenagers or young adults, are not just competitors but individuals with feelings, families, and futures. The mental health and well-being of these athletes are put at risk when they are subjected to abusive messages, threats, or demands for refunds from bettors. The NCAA is urging fans to separate their betting outcomes from the personal lives of athletes, reminding them that the true spirit of sportsmanship should always prevail. By promoting this message, the organization hopes to create a safer, more supportive environment for student-athletes to thrive both on and off the court.

Moving Forward: Accountability and Change

As the 2025 NCAA Tournament progresses, fans are encouraged to embrace the excitement of March Madness responsibly. The AGA’s staggering betting figures highlight the need for continued education and awareness about the consequences of betting-related harassment. While the NCAA’s campaign is a step in the right direction, addressing this issue will require a collective effort from fans, athletes, and the sports community at large. By fostering a culture of respect and accountability, we can ensure that the joy of March Madness is not overshadowed by the ugliness of harassment. Let this tournament be a celebration of talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship—values that truly define the spirit of college basketball.