Marc Raimondi, ESPN
UFC will use the program ProhiBet to expand its compliance with gambling regulations by catching fighters and others around the sport trying to place bets, the promotion announced Wednesday.
Through ProhiBet, wagers made by prohibited bettors — described in a release as UFC athletes, coaches, employees and officials — would be flagged by regulatory bodies and organizations.
UFC said ProhiBet, an encrypted system launched earlier this year, was “designed to safeguard sports integrity and ensures the adherence to state-specific regulations.” ProhiBet is a joint venture between Odds On Compliance and U.S. Integrity, the latter of which is UFC’s official betting integrity partner.
“ProhiBet’s cutting-edge technology provides a secure and transparent method for sports properties, both professional and collegiate, and sportsbook operators, to ensure that athletes, coaches, and league/school administrative staff remain compliant with the intricate web of state regulations that govern sports betting activities,” UFC said.
UFC’s use of ProhiBet comes on the heels of an investigation launched by the FBI last year into suspicious betting activity surrounding a bout between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke on Nov. 5.
Minner, his coach, James Krause, and his teammate Jeff Molina have all been suspended by the Nevada State Athletic Commission for their alleged involvement, pending multiple government investigations. UFC told fighters in December they must not train under Krause or they would face a ban. ESPN reported in January that Krause worked for an offshore bookmaking operation for years.
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