The Netflix Factor: Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul draws record boxing betting

Tyson vs Paul was the most bet on boxing match in history, according to figures from Entain’s global sportsbook.

Despite lacking the intensity expected of high-profile boxing matches, the number of bets and the amount staked surpassed both the most popular previous fights of Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk (number of bets placed) and Gervonta Davis vs Ryan Garcia (total amount staked).

Tyson dominated the betting overall with 68% of bettors backing a Tyson victory, while only 17% thought Paul would prevail. Those remaining went for a draw. However, the amounts staked on the two fighters were much closer once their gloves touched in Texas, with 50% of the stakes backing a Tyson win, compared to 46% backing Paul.

Watched by 65 million households at its peak, it is believed Netflix’s first venture into live sport broke viewing records to become the most-watched televised boxing match in history, with a reported 50 million also viewing Amanda Serrano vs Katie Taylor on the undercard.

Paul previously had six of the top twenty-five most bet boxing matches in Entain’s history, but his bout with Tyson has smashed the previous record set by Tyson Fury when he fought Oleksander Usyk in May 2024. Fury had previously held all three top spots, with his fights with Dillian Whyte and Deontay Wilder rounding off the top three.

Greg Ferris, Managing Director for Sports at Entain, said, “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.

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 favourites making this the most bet fight in our history.  

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.”

Entain also reported a record interest in Olympic betting this year with the company recording double the amount of betting volume at this summer’s Paris Olympics, while NFL betting in the UK experienced a 65% year-on-year growth in total bettors.

Data is taken from Entain’s global labels, including BetMGM in the US, excluding Australia, Eurobet and CEE, Enlabs and Crystalbet.