### Legalized Wagering on Mike Tyson’s Return to the Ring Blocked in New York

New Yorkers enthusiastic about Mike Tyson's return to boxing will need to find alternative ways to place bets. The state of New York is among seven states that have prohibited wagering on the highly-anticipated fight between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul, scheduled to take place at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. This decision aligns with the specific discretion exercised by the New York State Gaming Commission regarding the eligibility of sports events for wagering.

In a statement given by the New York State Gaming Commission's communications director, Brad Maione, it was clarified that New York would not permit wagering on this fight due to its departure from traditional boxing regulations. According to Maione, while Texas has sanctioned the bout as a professional encounter, it employs non-traditional rules such as two-minute rounds and 14-ounce gloves, contrasting the usual three-minute rounds and 10-ounce gloves mandated by the Unified Rules set by the Association of Boxing Commissions and Combative Sports.

Despite this prohibition in New York and six other states, the fight has generated significant interest, with BetMGM forecasting it to be the most bet-on match in its history. Nonetheless, states with more stringent regulations on combat sports are opting to steer clear due to the fight’s deviations from the norm. Pennsylvania and Colorado have also voiced reservations, citing the bout's exhibition-like nature and failure to meet specific state industry standards.

Interestingly, this isn't the only betting restriction in New York. The state also bans wagers on certain events, including sporting drafts and college games involving New York-based teams. Sports bettors in New York looking to place bets on the Tyson vs. Paul fight will find Jake Paul as a -210 favorite, while Tyson stands at +170 odds according to BetMGM.

This marks Mike Tyson's first sanctioned fight since 2005. His last appearance in the ring was an exhibition match against Roy Jones Jr. in 2020. The much-anticipated event, initially set for July, faced delays after Tyson experienced a medical emergency, leading to its postponement.

The combination of regulatory restrictions and non-traditional fight rules has turned this anticipated bout into a unique betting scenario. For New York-based fans of the sport, the search for creative ways to place a bet continues.