Entain Reports Record Betting on Tyson-Paul Fight

International gambling giant Entain is behind some of the world's most recognizable gambling brands, including one of our best sports betting sites. The company has announced that last week’s boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul was the most bet-on event in its history. This fight surpassed the previous record set during Tyson Fury's clash with Oleksandr Usyk in May 2024. Across BetMGM, Coral, and Ladbrokes, Entain reported a record number of wagers and money staked. 

The fight generated four times the betting volume of any combat sports event in BetMGM’s history, with many users taking advantage of BetMGM bonus codes. BetMGM Senior Trader Alex Rella predicted the historic turnout ahead of the bout, commenting, “We expect the Jake Paul-Mike Tyson fight to be the most bet-on boxing match in BetMGM history. Bettors want to see Paul get knocked out and love Tyson as an underdog.”

DraftKings also reported record betting on the match, which took place at AT&;T Stadium in Texas, home of the Dallas Cowboys.

Netflix broadcast drives record betting

The fight was streamed live on and peaked at 65 million households watching. Around 50 million viewers tuned in early to watch Katie Taylor win against Amanda Serrano on the undercard. Greg Ferris, Entain’s Managing Director for Sports, commented:

“Our trading desks are always ready for an increase in interest from a "celebrity" type fighter, but the impact of Netflix broadcasting this fight can’t be overlooked. Their large subscriber base, promotion and the decision to offer to existing customers at no additional cost saw record numbers of viewers.”

Netflix’s expansion into live sports continues with plans to stream two NFL games on Christmas Day, including the Chiefs vs. Steelers and Ravens vs. Texans.

“It will be fascinating to see if this follows through to their Christmas Day NFL games, which they are broadcasting for the first time this year, and if any other large streaming platforms react,” Ferris added.

Details of the match

Ahead of the fight, Paul was the favorite across several of our best sports betting apps, including FanDuel Sportsbook, which listed the YouTuber-turned-boxer as the -230 favorite. The 31-year age gap between Paul, 27, and Tyson, 58, drew sportsbooks to Paul. But many bettors also went for Tyson, who holds the title of the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.

“Putting these two in a ring attracted fans from both sides of the fence, creating a rare crossover event. With the odds also relatively close, a whole raft of new bettors flocked to back their favorites making this the most bet fight in our history,” commented Ferris.

Among those backing Tyson was rapper Drake, who lost $355,000 betting on his victory. Posting on Instagram, he wrote, “I’m late but I’m here money on the liiiiiiiiine for today and tomorrow.” Drake would have collected over $1 million in winnings if his bet were successful.

Meanwhile, Paul bet around $40 million on his own win. “Let’s bet the purse. Deal,” he said during a promotional event for the fight. Ahead of the fight, Paul had been involved in six of the 25 most bet-on boxing matches in Entain’s history.