In most regulated sports betting markets, it is against the rules for athletes to bet on themselves or on the outcome of their own matches. This is to prevent any potential conflict of interest or the appearance of match-fixing, where an athlete might be incentivized to perform in a certain way to win or lose a bet.
For instance, in boxing, the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) and other athletic commissions have explicit rules against fighters betting on their own fights. These rules are in place to maintain the integrity of the sport and to ensure fair competition.
If a fighter were found to be betting on himself, he could face a range of penalties, including fines, suspensions, or even a lifetime ban from the sport, depending on the severity of the infraction and the policies of the governing body overseeing the event.
However, there are some exceptions and nuances. For example, in some cases, fighters may be allowed to bet on their own fights through legal mechanisms such as a trust, where they have no direct control over the betting activity once it’s set up. This is to ensure that the fighter is not directly involved in the betting process, thereby maintaining the integrity of the competition.
It’s important to note that the rules can vary by jurisdiction and sport, so it’s always best to refer to the specific regulations of the governing body involved in the sport in question.