Why Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul bets have been banned in seven US states ahead of boxing showdown

Mike Tyson and Jake Paul will clash on Friday night in one of the most unusual boxing matches of all time – with seven US states refusing to take bets on the controversial Netflix event.

Tyson, 58, makes a stunning return to the sport to take on 27-year-old Paul, the YouTuber-turned-boxer who has brutally knocked out his previous three opponents.

Given his age and the fact that he has not fought competitively since 2005, many have expressed concern about ‘Iron’ Mike stepping back into the ring with an opponent 31 years his junior – especially after a first date was dropped in July when he suffered a medical emergency. on a cross-country flight.

Although the fight will be professionally sanctioned, the former undisputed heavyweight champion will take on Paul in eight two-minute rounds, as opposed to the regular three-minute versions. The pair will also wear 14oz gloves instead of the usual 10oz gloves worn by heavyweights.

And according to ESPNSeven of the 38 American states that have legalized sports betting have banned betting on the fight for this reason.

New York, Pennsylvania and Colorado would be among the states not taking bets on Tyson vs. Paul on Friday evening, while the New York State Gaming Commission will be ineligible for betting due to its “non-traditional rules.”

Colorado and Pennsylvania betting chiefs agreed with that sentiment, with the former not citing all fighters who were professionally ranked as another reason.

Pennsylvania also justified their decision to ban in-fight gambling by pointing to the shorter number of rounds.

“Given the totality of factors, the decision was made in the best interest of the gambling public not to allow betting in Pennsylvania,” the source said.

Of the 31 states offering betting on the match, some are concerned about the potential fallout if both men appear to view the match as more of an exhibition-style event than a competitive fight.

However, a Nevada spokesperson said Tyson vs Paul passed the “three-pronged test we give to casinos for guidance when they ask whether they can take bets on a sporting event,” as it is sanctioned as a professional match.

Tyson will fight Paul on Friday night in eight two-minute rounds and in heavier gloves

Friday night’s event is expected to bring record betting in the 31 states where it is not banned.

Huge money is already said to be flowing to Tyson for victory, with the boxing legend sitting around a +170 underdog and bookmakers eyeing his long-awaited return.

“We expect the Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson fight to be the biggest bet on a boxing match in BetMGM history,” BetMGM senior trader Alex Rella said via the BetMGM website. New York Post.

“Betchers want Paul to be knocked out and like Tyson as an underdog.” Rella added. “The book will make Paul win.”