Can I bet on the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson fight? Yes and no
Author:
Zach Lutz
Reviewed by:
Published:
Nov 12, 2024
,
11:06 a.m.
ET
The highly anticipated boxing match between legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson and YouTube-star-turned-boxer Jake Paul is set to take place on Friday, November 15, 2024, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
This fight, initially scheduled for July 20, was postponed after Tyson suffered a health scare due to an ulcer. The event, which will be available to watch via streaming on Netflix, brings 58-year-old Tyson back into the ring after nearly 20 years away. He’ll take on Paul, a 27-year-old social media influencer who has become quite a polarizing figure in boxing. As the two fighters prepare to meet, many fans are left wondering: Can they legally bet on this fight?
Here's what to know about the states allowing bets, the current odds and the significance of betting responsibly.
Which states are allowing betting on the fight?
While not all states are allowing betting on the Tyson-Paul exhibition match, several have approved it under specific conditions. Massachusetts is one that has decided to allow betting on the fight, despite the unique circumstances of it being an exhibition bout between two fighters with such a gap in age and experience levels.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission (MGC) concluded that banning this highly anticipated event could lead fans to seek illegal betting alternatives. This aligns with MGC Chair Jordan Maynard’s statement that banning such a popular event might push people toward unregulated offshore sportsbooks, undermining consumer protection efforts.
For residents in Massachusetts, licensed sportsbooks such as BetMGM and Caesars will offer a variety of betting options, from money line bets to props on the fight’s outcome. Other states, including Nebraska, have also amended their sports betting regulations to accommodate this fight.
Some states, however, remain cautious due to concerns over the fight’s integrity, with states like Pennsylvania opting out altogether because of the significant age difference between the fighters. Colorado is also not permitting betting on this event.
Apart from traditional sportsbooks, PrizePicks and some other daily fantasy sports platforms are also allowing prop-bet-like picks on Tyson vs. Paul. PrizePicks operates by letting users make predictions on individual player performances, allowing fans of this fight to participate by predicting how each fighter will perform based on specific stats.
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Who is favored in the Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson boxing match?
As with any big fight, sportsbooks have set odds on both fighters. Although Mike Tyson was once known as the “Baddest Man on the Planet,” his age makes him the underdog, with Jake Paul favored across most sportsbooks. For example, Caesars Sportsbook has Paul as the -225 favorite, which means betting $225 on Paul would net a $100 profit if he wins. Tyson, on the other hand, is currently listed as a +170 underdog, meaning a $100 wager would win $170.
Bettors have shown split loyalties in this fight. A significant number of casual bettors are placing money on Tyson, captivated by his legacy and nostalgic for his unmatched power in the ring. However, seasoned bettors and professionals are leaning toward Paul, noting his youth, conditioning, and recent fight record. To paraphrase Caesars’ lead combat sports oddsmaker Brandon Yaeger, Tyson may be able to keep up for a few rounds, but his age will likely show as the fight progresses. The odds, however, remain close enough to reflect the uncertainties in this unique matchup.
William Hill also reports substantial wagers on both sides, with one bettor placing a $25,000 bet on Tyson to win by KO, TKO, or DQ. On the other side, there’s a large $5,000 wager on Paul at -240, highlighting the intense interest in this bout.
Do not bet on the fight with offshore sportsbooks or bookies
While some people may be tempted to bet on this fight through offshore sportsbooks or local bookies, these options come with significant risks. Offshore sportsbooks operate outside of U.S. regulations, offering no consumer protection if something goes wrong. This lack of oversight has led to reports of delayed payouts, altered odds and even denied winnings. Since they’re unregulated, they don’t have to comply with any laws or ensure fair play for bettors.
Licensed sportsbooks, on the other hand, must adhere to strict consumer protection rules, ensuring bettors have recourse in case of issues. Moreover, U.S.-based sportsbooks contribute tax revenue to their states, helping fund important programs, whereas offshore sportsbooks don’t contribute in any way to local economies.
It’s always best to stick with legal, regulated betting platforms for peace of mind, knowing that your bets are safe and that the platform must honor any winnings.
Gambling Addiction support
While betting on the Tyson-Paul fight might seem harmless, it’s essential to remain aware of the signs of gambling addiction. A big event like this can make it easy to lose track of spending, but gambling should always remain a source of entertainment rather than a way to make money. If betting is impacting your life negatively, affecting relationships, finances or well-being, it might be time to seek help.
Birches Health offers support for those struggling with gambling addiction. They provide a range of resources, including therapy with specially trained counselors, free support groups and self-assessment tools.
For those in need of assistance, Birches Health offers multiple options to connect:
