Updated Policy Enforces Sports Betting Integrity in New Jersey Combative Sports

December 2, 2024 Marija D

The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (SACB) has enacted a revised sports betting policy designed to uphold fairness and public trust in combative sports events. Effective immediately, the updated regulations apply to licensees, officials, and employees involved in activities such as boxing, wrestling, extreme wrestling, kickboxing, and other combative sports exhibitions and contests.

SACB Commissioner Larry Hazzard Sr. emphasized the importance of these changes, stating, “With this action, we are safeguarding the integrity of combative sports events. 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 and Applicability of the Policy

The policy encomes a broad range of individuals connected to the SACB, including officials like referees, judges, inspectors, timekeepers, and physicians, as well as board and employees such as the commissioner and deputy commissioner. Additionally, promoters, participants, and their representatives are encouraged to implement comparable integrity measures to align with these new standards.

The SACB’s comprehensive policy outlines specific prohibitions and obligations intended to ensure transparency and prevent unethical practices:

Betting Restrictions: SACB-d officials, , and employees are strictly prohibited from betting on any combative sports events, whether in New Jersey or globally. However, betting on non-combative sports is permitted, provided it adheres to local laws. Board employees must with the Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) before participating in any legal sports betting within the state.
Prohibited Conduct: Activities such as match-fixing and the misuse or dissemination of insider information are explicitly banned. Additionally, SACB personnel are barred from working for sportsbooks or their s, further safeguarding against potential conflicts of interest.
Participant and Promoter Compliance: Promoters, athletes, and their agents must abstain from betting on combative sports events in New Jersey. They are also required to avoid actions that could compromise the integrity of these performances.
Mandatory Reporting: All stakeholders, including SACB officials, participants, promoters, and agents, are obligated to report policy violations to the SACB Commissioner without delay.
Training and Acknowledgment: SACB employees are required to complete training sessions and formally acknowledge their understanding of the policy.
Enforcement and Penalties: Non-compliance may lead to severe consequences, including fines, suspension, or revocation of licenses.