Loyola University Chicago Launched Sports Betting Course
The new undergraduate course explores the regulatory, ethical, and mental health implications of sports wagering.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Gambling
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Loyola University Chicago launched an undergraduate course on sports betting in Spring 2025. The curriculum examines the commercial and ethical challenges of an industry increasingly intertwined with professional and college athletics.
Why it matters
As sports betting becomes ubiquitous, educational institutions are aiming to address the associated risks of gambling harm and addiction. The course highlights consumer protections and the complex regulatory environment surrounding the sector.
Currently, 39 states and Washington, DC have legalized sports betting. Illinois law prohibits wagering on college teams and mandates a minimum age of 21 for bettors, compared to 18 for certain prediction platforms.
The players
Loyola University Chicago
This private Jesuit research university is based in Chicago and maintains a focus on ethics and social justice in its curriculum.
The details
The course provides students with a comprehensive look at the intersection of sports and gambling, focusing on addiction, regulatory policy, and industry ethics. It aligns with broader institutional efforts at Loyola University Chicago, which hosts the annual Latine Problem Gambling Conference.
Timeline
A study of 1,800 students was conducted in Mississippi in 2008.
The US Supreme Court ruled on Murphy v. NCAA in 2018.
Loyola University Chicago launched the course in Spring 2025.
Culture Shift
The emergence of this course reflects a societal shift where gambling is no longer a fringe hobby but a central component of sports consumption. It signals a move toward academic scrutiny of an industry that was effectively deregulated following the 2018 US Supreme Court ruling on Murphy v. NCAA.
Residents should note that Illinois maintains strict gambling regulations, including a prohibition on wagering on in-state college teams and a minimum age requirement of 21. Students and local bettors must navigate these specific state laws that differ from broader national standards.
The takeaway
Understanding the mechanics of sports betting is increasingly essential for navigating modern sports culture. Recognizing the signs of problem gambling can help individuals and communities better manage the risks associated with the industry.
Further reading
For more information on the evolving regulatory and social landscape, visit Gambling.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GamblingNews.
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