Bookmakers Bet on Pre-Recorded MMA Fights, Leading to Investigations

The Professional Fighters League (PFL) aired pre-recorded MMA bouts as live events on April 1, 2022. The bouts, which were part of the PFL Challenger Series, were actually filmed on March 25 but were presented as live broadcasts. This led to unusual betting activity, as bettors placed wagers on fights they believed were happening in real-time.

U.S. Integrity, a betting monitor, noticed the unusual activity and alerted the PFL and bookmakers. The Arizona Department of Gaming is removing the PFL from its wagering inventory. The Colorado Division of Gaming, Nevada Gaming Control Board, and New Hampshire Lottery are investigating the incident. PFL spokesperson Loren Mack stated that the league did not authorize or know about the bets placed on the taped show. The PFL sent out marketing tweets leading up to the event, including one that said the Challenger Series was 'Live and Free Friday Night on @fubosports!'

Jennifer Press, senior vice president of communications for fuboTV, apologized for the mistake and stated that the April 1 event was pre-recorded. DraftKings confirmed that it provided odds on the event in multiple states and suspended the markets after noticing odd behavior. Karl Bennison, a gaming regulatory specialist, stated that while mistakes happen, this incident is exceptional.