New Jersey Strengthens Policy to Protect Combat Sports Betting Integrity

Posted on: November 26, 2024, 10:09h. 

Last updated on: November 26, 2024, 10:25h.

Devin O'Connor @CasinoorgDevinO Read More
Expertise: Asia Pacific Gaming, Commercial Gaming, Legislation, Politics.

The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (SACB) has updated its sports betting policy to put those involved in combat sports on alert that they must refrain from wagering on all boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts, UFC, kickboxing, and other combat sports.

New Jersey sports betting Jake Paul Mike Tyson
Jake Paul and Mike Tyson embrace after their heavyweight bout in Arlington, Texas, on Friday, Nov. 15, 2025. Following the controversial bout, the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board has updated its sports betting policy for combat sports. (Image: Getty)

In the wake of the highly controversial Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match, which many thought seemed scripted or had a predetermined outcome, the New Jersey agency charged with the regulation, supervision, and oversight of all contests and exhibitions of unarmed combat has updated its policy relating to sports betting. The SACB’s primary purpose is to protect the safety and well-being of all participants, and to promote the public’s confidence and trust in combat sports.

On Monday, the agency made public its updated Sports Betting Policy, which includes new governance for what combat sports participants, including boxers, fighters, promoters, referees, judges, timekeepers, medical personnel, trainers, agency employees, and others can and cannot legally bet on.

The policy specifies that all individuals involved in combat sports are prohibited from betting on all combat sports, both within the state and globally. Betting on noncombat sports is permitted, though SACB employees must register to participate with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE).

Combat Sports on Notice

Though there have been no confirmed reports that the Tyson-Paul Netflix special was fixed, something just didn’t sit right for many who streamed the live event.

Tyson was seemingly laboring to keep up with an opponent 31 years his junior, but Paul did nothing to knock out the former heavyweight champion of the world. While the fight’s outcome might not have been predetermined or fixed, many boxing purists thought there was seemingly an agreement between the two that a knockout blow wouldn’t be delivered should the 58-year-old Tyson tire as he did. Paul reportedly received $40 million for the fight, with Tyson collecting $20 million.

SACB Commissioner Larry Hazzard Sr. says any such pre-fight agreements won’t be tolerated in New Jersey.

With this action, we are safeguarding the integrity of combative sports events,” said Hazzard. “By implementing these standards, we are sending a clear message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated in New Jersey’s combative sports industry.”

The updated policy obligates all individuals under the scope of SACB to immediately report any suspected violations of the sports betting rules. Those who don’t comply with the policy will face disciplinary actions such as a fine, license suspension, or license revocation.

Paul Denies Allegations

Fixing an NFL game is a much bigger challenge than fixing a head-to-head sport like most combat sports, and some noncombat sports such as tennis, bowling, or a golf match play event. That’s because a single participant can singlehandedly fix an outcome by performing poorly.

Many on social media questioned why Tyson seemed to be only a shell of himself compared with training videos in the leadup to the fight. Appearing on his brother Logan Paul’s podcast, Paul said that was due to his boxing prowess.

“People are like, ‘Oh yeah, it’s rigged because look at [Tyson] on the pads, but he didn’t do this in the fight.’ That’s because someone is punching back. People don’t recognize my power, my jab, my speed, my ability. My footwork to get out of the way, so then all of a sudden he’s throwing at air, literally,” Paul said.