How to bet on UFC 313 legally and responsibly

Key Points 

• UFC 313 is the third of it’s headline events this year and takes place in Las Vegas on Saturday, Match 8

• UFC 313 betting is legal in 38 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico

• Avoid unregulated betting options: offshore sportsbooks, bookies, sweepstakes platforms, etc. 

• Set a budget, understand odds, avoid chasing losses, and don’t let your emotions drive your betting. 

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EDITOR’S NOTE: Birches Health is a specialized provider of gambling addiction treatment nationwide. Care is available virtually from the comfort of home and is covered by insurance. Knowing how to bet responsibly is critical in aiming to reduce the chances of developing a gambling problem. The goal of this article is to help potential bettors do so in a smart, sustainable and healthy manner if they choose to wager on the event. 

UFC 313 is set to be one of the biggest MMA events of the year and the best yet in 2025. The event is headlined by a light heavyweight championship clash between Alex Pereira and Magomed Ankalaev. 

While Pereira vs Ankalaev is the main event, there are four other main-card fights and six preliminary matches, which begin at 8 PM ET. Taking place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 8, 2025, this action-packed card features Justin Gaethje vs. Rafael Fiziev, Jalin Turner vs. Ignacio Bahamondes, Amanda Lemos vs. Iasmin Lucindo and King Green vs. Mauricio Ruffy. 

Given 11 fights, hours of action, and the fact that headline UFC events are a bit of a rare commodity, many individuals are eager to wager on Saturday evening. But whether you are an experienced bettor or new to wagering on MMA, understanding the nuances and best practices of sports betting responsibly and legally is essential.

Which states allow sports betting for UFC 313?

UFC 313 betting is legal in many states across the U.S., but regulations vary by location. Here is a full list of states where you can legally bet on UFC 313:

• Arizona - Yes

• Arkansas - Yes

• Colorado - Yes

• Connecticut - Yes

• Delaware - Yes

• Florida - Yes

• Illinois - Yes

• Indiana - Yes

• Iowa - Yes

• Kansas - Yes

• Kentucky - Yes

• Louisiana - Yes

• Maine - Yes (online only)

• Maryland - Yes

• Massachusetts - Yes

• Michigan - Yes

• Mississippi - Yes (retail and limited online options)

• Montana - Yes (retail and limited online options)

• Nebraska - Yes (retail only)

• Nevada - Yes

• New Hampshire - Yes

• New Jersey - Yes

• New Mexico - Yes (retail only)

• New York - Yes

• North Carolina - Yes

• North Dakota - Yes (retail only)

• Ohio - Yes

• Oregon - Yes

• Pennsylvania - Yes

• Rhode Island - Yes

• South Dakota - Yes (retail only)

• Tennessee - Yes (online only)

• Vermont - Yes (online only)

• Virginia - Yes

• Washington, DC - Yes

• Washington - Yes (retail and limited online options)

• West Virginia - Yes

• Wisconsin - Yes

• Wyoming - Yes (online only)

If you bet on UFC 313, use legal regulated sportsbooks only

When betting on UFC 313, it’s in your best interest to use only legal, regulated sportsbooks. Here’s why you should avoid certain betting options at all costs:

• Offshore Sportsbooks: Offshore sportsbooks appeal to individuals who wish to bet on credit and take advantage of odds lacking oversight and regulation from U.S. bodies, meaning bettor funds and personal information aren’t protected. Withdrawals can be delayed or even denied, and there’s little to no legal action to take if issues arise. Customer service is often unreliable, and you may be exposed to unfair betting practices.
  
  

• Bookies: Maybe you know a local bookmaker that’s a friend or a friend of a friend, and it might seem like a convenient option. But regardless of your relationship to a bookie, this path lacks personal and financial protections. Payouts are not guaranteed, and at the very least, you may not receive payments in a timely manner. If it is someone you know, things could get personal and relationships are in danger of irreversible damage. It’s all about trust with bookies (that you’ll get paid if you win), and many have proven to be untrustworthy.
  
  

• Sweepstakes Platforms: Operating under sweepstakes laws, these platforms offer very similar products to regulated options, but often come without gaming revenue taxation, customer protections, or licensing. Generally offered in 48 states, with free-to-play options, and the ability to purchase coins with the potential of winning cash, many states have started to crack down aggressively on sweepstakes gambling operators, with multiple bills that aim to close the loophole and punish them with felony charges if they continue to be accessible in those states.

Betting on UFC 313 responsibly

It is important to approach UFC 313 betting responsibly if you choose to wager on it. Here are key tips to keep your gambling in check:

1. Set a Budget and Stick to It
   Before the event begins, determine how much you are willing to wager and do not exceed that limit, regardless of wins or losses.
   
   

2. Understand the Odds and Market Dynamics
   Betting markets shift based on public sentiment and sharp action. Look beyond simple win/loss odds and explore prop bets, method-of-victory wagers, and live betting cautiously.
   
   

3. Avoid Chasing Losses
   Losing is part of betting, and chasing losses by betting more in hopes of winning back what was lost often leads to larger financial setbacks.
   
   

4. Don’t Let Emotions Drive Your Bets
   Betting on your favorite fighter without considering their matchup can lead to misguided wagers. Research styles, reach, weight class history, and recent performances before making a decision.
   
   

5. Be Mindful of Live-Betting Risks
   MMA is unpredictable, and momentum can shift in seconds. While live betting can be exciting, rapid decisions under pressure can be dangerous.

Gambling addiction treatment and resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, specialized help is available. Birches Health provides confidential, professional support for gambling addiction with virtual treatment options covered by insurance.

• Book an appointment 

• Call 833-483-3838

• Email help@bircheshealth.com

History of UFC and Sports Betting

Partnerships & Promotion

The UFC has embraced sports betting, forming partnerships with major sportsbooks like DraftKings and FanDuel. These deals have led to more widespread promotion of MMA betting, with odds integrated into broadcasts and exclusive UFC-themed betting options available.

Scandal

Despite its growing popularity, UFC betting has faced controversies. In 2023, the promotion banned fighters and team members from betting on fights following a scandal involving James Krause, a coach accused of insider betting activity. This crackdown has led to increased monitoring and regulation.