Betting Markets On Rough N’ Rowdy 14 Never Reached The Ring In Michigan

Can you please rewrite your original request?

Barstool Sportsbook decided not to offer bets on Rough N’ Rowdy 14 in Michigan following an inquiry into whether ex-MLB player Jose Canseco deliberately lost in a Barstool-sponsored boxing event. Other sportsbooks in Michigan also opted out of the event.

Bettors in any jurisdiction with regulated sports betting would have faced difficulties finding any markets due to integrity issues. This serves as a reminder that emerging sports can suffer significant setbacks in terms of wagering if even the slightest hint of integrity concerns arises. However, this situation is temporary.

The backstory on the lack of Rough N’ Rowdy 14 action

In early February, during Rough N’ Rowdy 13, the significant development that captured everyone’s attention was the suspension of Canseco. Canseco’s time in the ring against Billy Football at the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town, West Virginia, lasted a mere 12 seconds before he was defeated. This outcome prompted the West Virginia Boxing Commission to promptly initiate an investigation.

Barstool has two connections to the event. Firstly, the Hollywood Casino, which is operated by Penn National Gaming, owns a significant portion of Barstool’s sports betting platform. Secondly, Barstool directly acquired the boxing series in 2017.

Canseco’s suspension was primarily due to his failure to disclose the full extent of his injuries prior to the fight. Additionally, the Commission took action against him as they believed he displayed an inability or unwillingness to participate in the fight.

Despite the allegations, Canseco denies deliberately losing the fight. He has revealed on social media that he underwent several surgeries recently. Canseco is allowed to challenge his suspension, and regulatory bodies outside of WV are likely to honor it.

Regardless of whether Canseco intentionally lost his fight, the boxing series has already suffered the consequences. During the recent Rough N’ Rowdy 14 event on Friday, none of the MI sportsbooks provided betting options for any of the fights.

Books nationwide keep action in the corner

In Illinois and Pennsylvania, where Barstool also operates, the absence of action was observed. However, it is important to note that this was not due to any regulatory prohibition. In fact, the gambling regulators in both IL and MI have granted approval for wagering on the boxing series.

Instead, sportsbooks across the nation opted not to participate in the event. It may take a while before they change their decision. Despite the WV commission’s clearance of the event’s promoters from any misconduct, the unfolding situation left a negative impression.

Sportsbook operators can suffer significant financial consequences due to integrity concerns. In the case of the Canseco fight, Barstool decided to cancel all bets, even refunding the money to bettors who would have lost. Additionally, they paid out the winnings from successful wagers, resulting in a complete loss for the book.

In addition to refunding wagers for compromised events, the situation can discourage bettors from placing future wagers and create secondary regulatory problems.

Sportsbooks are inclined to be cautious when booking events due to these reasons. The consequences of Canseco’s actions might result in the sponsors of the Rough N’ Rowdy series incurring much greater losses than the amount he was initially paid for participating. This was particularly evident in the immediate aftermath.

Penn National Gaming did not respond to Playinmichigan’s requests for comment on Rough N’ Rowdy markets on Tuesday.

“Please rephrase the following sentence.”