UFC Backs Sports Betting Expansion In The U.S.

Sports betting is illegal in most States, but both the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) are apparently in favor of expanded legal sports betting in America.

UFC Executive Vice President and COO Lawrence Epstein told ESPN on Thursday that, with proper regulation, expanded legalized sports betting in the U.S. would benefit all sports.

“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.”

Epstein’s comments echoed those of NBA commissioner Adam Silver, who stated in an interview with Bleacher Report on Wednesday that wide-spread sports betting legalization in the U.S. is inevitable and a highly regulated market would aid the league in making sure the competition is “pure.”

Do you agree with the comments made by the UFC’s Lawrence Epstein and the NBA’s Adam Siver? Sound off Penn Nation!