New Jersey Implements New Policy on Combat Sports Betting Integrity
The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (SACB) has announced a new policy for all licensees, officials, and staff members involved in combat sports, aimed at promoting fair play and maintaining public trust.
New Rules for Combat Sports in New Jersey
The policy, effective immediately, prohibits unethical betting practices and reinforces SACB’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of combat sports events. This includes boxing, wrestling, MMA, kickboxing, as well as exhibitions and other combat sports performances and competitions.
By introducing these standards, SACB sends a clear message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated in New Jersey’s combat sports industry.
The ban applies to a wide range of stakeholders, including officials such as inspectors, timekeepers, referees, judges, and physicians, as well as board members, including the chairperson, and SACB staff like the commissioner and deputy commissioner.
The policy requires officials, board members, employees, promoters, participants, agents, managers, and seconds to immediately report any violations to the SACB commissioner.
“With this action, we are safeguarding the integrity of combative sports events,” said SACB Commissioner Larry Hazzard Sr. “By implementing these standards, we are sending a clear message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated in New Jersey’s combative sports industry.”
Scope of the Ban
The restrictions cover all combat sports events held both within New Jersey and internationally. While board employees are allowed to place bets on sports other than combat sports, they must comply with local regulations and register with the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) before placing bets in New Jersey.
SACB also emphasizes that all forms of illegal betting, including through unauthorized platforms, are strictly prohibited. Additionally, match-fixing and the use or dissemination of insider information are expressly banned.
Violations of the policy may result in disciplinary actions, including fines, suspensions, or license revocations.
This new policy arrives at a time when discussions about betting integrity are gaining momentum, particularly following the controversial Tyson-Paul fight, which faced allegations of being fixed. Although Jake Paul has vehemently denied the accusations, the event sparked a broader conversation about the integrity of influencer-led combat sports events.
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