Several US states, including New York and Pennsylvania, have banned betting on the upcoming Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul fight, classifying it as an exhibition rather than a professional boxing match, due to concerns over non-traditional rules and fighter safety.
Several US States Ban Betting on Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul Fight
The upcoming boxing event featuring stars Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, set for November 15 in Arlington, Texas, is drawing huge fan attention. However, this bout faces legal hurdles as many states—such as New York, Colorado, Kentucky, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Vermont—have announced they will ban bets on the fight. These states classify the fight as a show event, not a professional boxing match.
According to USA TODAY Sports, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has approved the event as a professional fight, but with some non-traditional changes. Rounds are shortened to two minutes instead of three, and fighters will use 14-ounce gloves rather than the standard 10-ounce. These adjustments have sparked controversy, leading to bans on sports betting for this match across several states.
Reasons Behind the Ban
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board spokesperson Richard McGarvey explained, “This is just an exhibition. We don’t consider it a traditional boxing event and decided to ban betting in Pennsylvania.” Similarly, Brad Maione from the New York State Gaming Commission emphasized that Tyson and Paul’s fight doesn’t meet betting criteria due to its exhibition nature and lack of professional standards.
Regulatory Challenges and Safety Concerns in Non-Traditional Boxing Rules
The rise of non-traditional boxing rules has led to regulatory issues and safety concerns, especially in Colorado and Vermont. Colorado authorities have flagged a fight that doesn’t meet state standards, such as required round lengths and glove sizes. Derek Kuhn from the Department of Revenue pointed out the fight’s non-compliance with basic rules, affecting its legality. Vermont has banned betting over concerns about shortened rounds and heavier gloves.
Experts also worry about the safety risks of matches under these non-standard rules, particularly for a bout between 58-year-old Tyson and 27-year-old Paul. The lack of regulation raises doubts about fighter safety and professionalism. As non-traditional boxing grows, balancing innovation with safety and integrity is crucial for the sport’s future credibility.
Disappointment from Sportsbooks
Many sportsbooks are frustrated with the betting bans. Johnny Avello, sportsbook director at DraftKings, expressed disappointment, saying, “People will still watch, but the audience and sign-ups would likely be higher if they could bet on it.”
While fans remain excited for the Tyson vs. Paul showdown, several states’ betting restrictions underline a commitment to transparency and safety in sports betting, particularly for exhibition-style events.
