New Jersey Tightens Betting Rules Amid Paul vs. Tyson Controversy

By Matt Speakman,
Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

Matt Speakman Betting Expert at online-gambling.com

A die-hard fan of the Patriots, Matt Speakman is an expert on everything related to sports betting and DFS sites. Over the years, he has proven a valuable asset for our team at online-gambling.com. You can find Speakman's professional tips and tricks in any of his many articles on the website.

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Last updated: December 17, 2024

Held at AT&T Stadium in Texas on November 15, 2024, the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight ended with a victory for Paul. However, the event brought about a lot of controversy with one of the reasons being the significant age gap between the two players – Tyson is 58 while Paul is 27. States like Pennsylvania and New York didn’t accept bets on it, but New Jersey did.

Was the Fight Rigged?

The main concern was that the result was predetermined. The modified rules, including eight two-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves, which deviate from the standard professional boxing regulations, also raised a red flag. The significant participation of MVP (owned by Paul and Nakisa Bidarian) in organizing and promoting the event was also suspicious.

Although all involved parties have denied these accusations, many people were not convinced. Several states refused to take bets on the fight. And while New Jersey was not one of them, in the aftermath, the state has introduced stricter sports wagering policies to address concerns about the integrity and fairness of such events.

Prohibited Participants: Closing the Door on Conflicts of Interest

One of the essential measures adopted by the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (SACB) is the prohibition of betting by individuals directly involved in sports events. This includes athletes, referees, and other officials and will potentially help eliminate any conflicts of interest.

This rule will also ensure the fairness ombat sports and align any such events with the best practices of the market. The regulation will stop anyone from getting the chance to leverage insider knowledge or influence the outcome of an event in some way.

“With this action, we are safeguarding the integrity of combative sports events. By implementing these standards, we are sending a clear message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated in New Jersey’s combative sports industry.” – said Larry Hazzard Sr., Commissioner of the New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (SACB).

Registration Requirements: Accountability for Insiders

Another requirement is for employees of sports governing bodies and their member teams, who are not classified as prohibited participants, to register with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (NJDGE) before engaging in sports wagering. This is another regulatory step in the direction of avoiding any malpractice or misuse of privileged information.

Event Approval and Restrictions

Another thing is that the NJDGE maintains a curated list of approved events that are eligible for betting. Explicit approval must be obtained for any other event or bet type to be allowed in the state. Additionally, the regulations prohibit betting on high school sports, eSports with underage participants, and collegiate sports events in New Jersey, including New Jersey college teams.

A Blueprint for the Future

Following the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018, sports wagering has expanded rapidly across the country, creating both opportunities and risks. The new regulations adopted in New Jersey, the first state to hit $1 billion in betting, is merely the latest example of the challenges US states are facing amid this expansion.

Prioritizing transparency, fairness, and accountability is essential for the long-term success of the gambling industry in the country. Gamblers, operators, regulators, and all other parties involved must work together to create an overall safe gambling environment and a solid basis for sustainable long-term success.