Sports Wagering Policy

Purpose

Butler University seeks to give student-athletes an exceptional educational and athletic experience. As a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), Butler University adheres to the NCAA Bylaws which provide that student-athletes and those providing support to the athletic program are prohibited from engaging in sports wagering.

The State of Indiana allows sports wagering on NCAA Division I sports. However, Butler trustees, faculty, staff, students, and independent contractors may be afforded greater access to information about the University’s teams, student-athletes and coaches that could impact the outcome of competitions. When all trustees, faculty, staff, students and independent contractors refrain from placing Sports Wagers on Butler and its student-athletes and its coaches, we foster a culture of honesty, integrity and fair play and we protect our teams, student-athletes and coaches from undue influence and improper conduct.

Scope

This policy applies to all Butler University trustees, faculty, staff, and students wherever located and whether employed or enrolled full time, part-time or on a temporary basis. This policy also applies to any and all independent contractors who provide services to the Butler University Department of Athletics, its athletic teams and student-athletes.

Definitions

“Nonpublic” or “Exclusive” information

Information that could influence the outcome of an athletic event such as player availability, physical or mental health status, academic eligibility status or other factor that only those in close proximity with the student-athlete or athletic team or special access to such information as part of their employee, contractor or trustee duties could readily ascertain.

Sports Wager

Any agreement in which an individual or entity agrees to give up an item of value (e.g., cash, shirt, dinner) in exchange for the possibility of gaining another item of value contingent upon the outcome of, or occurrence within, an athletic or sporting event or upon the performance of any individual participating in that event. This definition does not include participation in fantasy sports.

Sports Wagering

The act of placing, accepting or soliciting (on one’s behalf or on behalf of others) a Sports Wager through a bookmaker or parlay card, through the internet or with an online service provider such as Fan-Duel or DraftKings or through an auction or online pool in which an entry fee is required.

Policy Statement

1. All Butler University trustees, faculty, staff, students, and independent contractors are prohibited from:
   1. Participating in an attempt to influence the outcome of a sporting event, such as through “point shaving” or “fixing” games.
   2. Placing, accepting or soliciting a Sports Wager (on one’s own behalf or on behalf of others) on any Butler University sports team, student-athlete, coach, statistical occurrence, contest or event whether online or via an application or betting intermediary and whether legal or illegal.
   3. Using Nonpublic or Exclusive information concerning a Butler University student-athlete or team to engage in Sports Wagering on any event or individual performance in the sport or league in which that athlete or team are involved, and from communicating that Nonpublic information to individuals involved in or associated with any type of sports wagering activities.

Reporting Violations

Students, faculty, staff and contractors and members of the Board of Trustees at Butler University are required to report any attempt by a third-party to solicit Nonpublic information or to encourage or solicit conduct that violates this policy. Reports shall be made to the following: Director of Athletics (for student-athletes or athletics staff) or the Vice President of Student Affairs (for students); the Associate Vice President of Human Resources (for staff); a Dean (for faculty); or the Board of Trustees Chair (for trustees).

Violations of the Policy

• Faculty and staff members found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate employment discipline, up to and including termination.
• Students found to be in violation of this policy will be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including dismissal under the Student Handbook.
• Trustees found to be in violation of this policy may be subject to appropriate discipline, up to and including removal by vote of the entire board.
• Independent contractors found to be in violation of this policy will be deemed to have committed a material breach of their contract with the University and any active or pending contract(s) may, at Butler University’s option, be terminated.

In addition to the foregoing, certain faculty, staff and student-athletes, may be subject to additional prohibitions under the NCAA’s rules or Indiana state law beyond those noted in this policy.