Can a Boxer Bet on Themselves?
Can a boxer bet on themselves? This is a commonly asked question by boxing fans. While it seems like the answer would be simple, there’s a lot of gray area which complicates the answer.
Here’s our full breakdown of whether or not a boxer can bet on themselves. Read below to learn where boxers can bet on themselves and notable times boxers bet on themselves.
Can a Boxer Bet on Themselves?
The answer to whether a boxer can bet on themselves depends on the location of their match. Betting on themselves is permissible in certain places, while it is strictly forbidden in others.
For example, a boxer can legally bet on themselves on popular betting sites that can be found on AskGamblers UK, a platform that has a huge reputation in the gambling space. They can pick a site from there and choose to wager money on them to win their fight within the state of Nevada. However, they can only bet on themselves to win outright and aren’t allowed to bet on how they win.
Then in places like the UK, it is against the law for a boxer to bet on their fights. The UK Parliament passed a law called the Gambling Act of 2005, which strictly forbids boxers from gambling on their matches.
Other countries also have different guidelines which may permit or forbid the practice of boxers betting on their matches.
Ethical and Integrity Issues
The reason why the rules for boxers betting on themselves vary depending on location is an ethical and integrity issue. Some boxing commissions feel that there’s an ethical concern that comes with boxers betting on themselves.
They believe that the integrity of the sport could be compromised if fighters are financially incentivized to perform in certain ways.
As already mentioned, this opinion isn’t shared by all boxing commissions due to their not being a universal rule.
Rule For Olympic Boxers Betting on Themselves
Within Olympic boxing, it is strictly prohibited for Olympic boxers to bet on themselves or any match. It is specifically written within their participation contracts when they agree to fight in the Olympics.
Notable Moments When a Boxer Bet on Themselves
There have been numerous instances of famous boxers betting on themselves to win their fights. Here are two of the most notable times a boxer bet on themselves to win.
Ryan Garcia vs. Devin Haney
The last time a boxer made news for betting on themselves was Ryan Garcia when he defeated Devin Haney. Garcia placed a $2 million bet on himself to win the fight.
The legality of the bet was debated since the fight took place in New York. However, no legal action was taken against Garcia.
Floyd Mayweather vs. Conor McGregor
Floyd Mayweather attempted to make a $400,000 bet on himself to stop Conor McGregor before the tenth round. The M Resort declined this bet over concerns of legality issues and due to it not being a straight bet to win.
Boxers Betting Against Themselves
What is 100% banned in boxing is the act of a boxer betting against themselves. A boxer betting against themselves to lose is called “taking a dive.”
Any boxer who is found to have lost a match on purpose to win a bet is severely punished. They are met with heavy fines, and suspension, and also often blackballed from the sport altogether.
No legitimate fight promoter will ever work with a boxer found guilty of taking a dive in a match.
Overview
The question of can boxers bet on themselves all depends on if the place they’re fighting permits it. Some places allow it, while others don’t, and they’re generally only allowed to make a straight bet on themselves to win.
