The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) orders all licensees in the province to stop offering and accepting bets on World Boxing Association (WBA) events, citing integrity concerns. did.
The measure is effective immediately in Ontario and applies to bets on all World Boxing Association events and contests.
The AGCO made this decision following a ruling that WBA-sanctioned boxing matches were not adequately protected against match-fixing and insider gambling. This followed a comprehensive investigation into suspicious betting activity on certain WBA sanctioned title fights.
Suspicious gambling patterns lasting more than 5.5 rounds during the match between Yoenis Telles and Livan Navarro were reported to the AGCO by two registered independent integrity monitors and detected by a registered gaming operator in Ontario. .
According to media reports, Telles bet $110,000 (£64,300/€75,085/US$79,822) on a fight lasting over 5.5 rounds at a casino in Florida. The bout ended with Telles knocking out Navarro in the 10th round.th round.
Regulators concerned about insider gambling
AGCO's review of the matter began in December 2023 and covered a variety of grounds. These include working with the WBA, Ontario-registered gaming operators, integrity monitors, and regulators in other jurisdictions.
Ontario regulators have concluded that betting related to WBA boxing events does not currently meet the Registrar's Standards for Internet Gaming. As a result, I have stopped betting on WBA events.
AGCO said the licensed operators were unable to prove to the WBA that insider gambling was prohibited. According to the AGCO, this may include the athlete's coaches, managers, handlers, athletic trainers, medical professionals, or others with access to nonpublic information.
Additionally, the administration has been unable to demonstrate that the WBA has taken any action to investigate or enforce allegations of possible match-fixing or insider gambling.
Is it possible that WBA gambling will return to Ontario?
The suspension of gambling may be temporary. AGCO said betting could resume if operators could prove that the WBA was effectively overseeing the event.
These measures will ensure that WBA events comply with the standards of the Ontario Registrar.
“Ontarians who wish to bet on sporting events need to be confident that those events are run fairly and that clear integrity safeguards are in place and enforced by effective sports governing bodies. Yes,” said Karin Schnall, CEO and Registrar of AGCO.
“We recognize the popularity of boxing in Ontario and look forward to resuming betting on WBA fights once appropriate safeguards against potential match-fixing and insider betting are in place.”
Ontario took similar action regarding UFC gambling
This is not the first time the AGCO has ordered a suspension of certain types of gambling. In December 2022, Ontario regulators required operators to stop offering betting to the UFC, citing similar insider gambling concerns.
A few weeks ago, the UFC revised its rules to prohibit its fighters from betting on UFC events. However, AGCO said other insiders such as coaches, managers, handlers, athletic trainers and medical staff may still place bets.
However, the ban only lasted a few weeks, and UFC gambling was again allowed in Ontario the following month. This came after the UFC revised its policies and implemented various new protocols.
Among the new measures was that coaches, managers, handlers, athletic trainers, and other individuals associated with athletes and the UFC will no longer be able to bet on UFC events. The UFC said any violations could result in disciplinary action against the contracted athletes involved.
Gambling ads under fire in Ontario
The ban also comes after new research shows widespread opposition to gambling advertising in Ontario.
A poll released this month found that 59% of people support a complete ban on gambling advertising. Most people also believe that businesses are not acting responsibly and that government regulation should be strengthened.
The poll was conducted weeks before the Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission's latest advertising regulations were introduced. These regulations prohibit sportsbooks from using celebrities in their promotional activities. It also prohibits sportsbook billboard advertisements near schools and other places where youth and vulnerable groups congregate.
