New Jersey Adopts Rules to Safeguard Combative Sports’ Integrity

The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board (SACB) announced that it has reinforced its measures against fraud and unethical betting practices in combat sports, reiterating its commitment to maintaining its integrity.

SACB Introduced New Rules

Effective immediately, the new policies apply to all licensees, officials (inspectors, timekeepers judges, referees and physicians), board members and employees. They include the prohibition of unethical betting practices such as insider and illegal betting in boxing, wrestling and other combative sports and contests.

Most importantly, the new rules prohibit insiders from placing bets on any combative sports event, both in New Jersey and globally. While league officials can still bet legally on other non-combative disciplines, they must do so in compliance with local laws.

Board employees in particular must register with the NJ Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) before placing such bets in the state.

In addition, officials must keep in mind that any form of illegal betting, including bets placed via unauthorized platforms, is strictly prohibited.

League officials and employees must never share insider information or use their knowledge and positions to fix games. Furthermore, board members should never work for sports betting companies or their affiliates.

All stakeholders are also required to report violations to the SACB commissioner immediately.

To top it all off, board personnel should acknowledge the policy and undergo compliance training. The SACB noted that violations of the aforementioned rules could incur fines, license suspensions and bans.

Promoters and participants, as well as their agents and managers, meanwhile, must not bet on any combative sports events in New Jersey or engage in action that would compromise the integrity of the performances. They have been encouraged to adopt integrity policies that reflect the aforementioned standards.

New Jersey Will Not Tolerate Unethical Behavior

SACB commissioner Larry Hazzard Sr. commented on the new rules, emphasizing that they have been designed to safeguard combative sports’ integrity. According to him, the changes show that the SACB will remain relentless in ensuring that NJ combative sports events are held to high standards.

By implementing these standards, we are sending a clear message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated in New Jersey’s combative sports industry.

Larry Hazzard Sr.

In other news, New Jersey officials just filed a proposal that seeks to enhance accountability and transparency when it comes to seizing money from inactive online gambling accounts.