The UFC embraces gambling in ways that would seem foreign to fans of most other sports. The inclusion of gambling odds on pre-fight shows as well as during events and segments where “gambling experts” give advice on what plays to make show a willingness to play into the realities of the sports world.
That the promotion is based out of Las Vegas and owned by the men who own Station Casinos no doubt plays into the company stance on gambling.
With New Jersey’s push to regulate sports gambling, the UFC now has a man out front supporting the idea of betting expansions.
ESPN reported on UFC executive VP and COO Lawrence Epstein’s recent comments on the matter:
“I think it will enhance the game as opposed to doing anything to hurt it,” Epstein said. “Sports wagering done in a way, like Nevada, that is properly regulated will give more confidence to fans that games and fights aren’t fixed.”
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“To the extent that there’s nothing illegal about taking bets on UFC in the state of New Jersey, we’d be absolutely fine with it,” Epstein said.
It also might be worth noting that the Fertittas and Station Casino launched Ultimate Poker, a real money online poker site that can’t operate nationwide,. So any expansion of gambling laws could benefit them down the road through online poker as well.