The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has expressed deep apprehension regarding the authenticity of boxing matches endorsed by the World Boxing Association (WBA). They harbor particular anxieties about the possibility of bout manipulation and wagering based on privileged information. Consequently, the AGCO has mandated that all sports wagering entities licensed in Ontario cease accepting bets on any WBA bouts with immediate effect.
This decisive action follows an AGCO inquiry into questionable wagering trends surrounding a WBA championship contest in Orlando, Florida, featuring Yunieski Gonzalez and Erislandy Lara. A surge in bets predicting the fight’s duration exceeding 5.5 rounds, notably with a specific iGaming provider in Ontario, triggered alarm bells. Further intensifying concerns, media accounts emerged alleging a substantial wager placed at a Florida gaming establishment by an individual closely linked to Gonzalez, betting on the fight surpassing the 5.5 round threshold. Gonzalez ultimately secured victory with a knockout in the 10th round.
The AGCO undertook a comprehensive investigation, collaborating with the WBA, betting operators, integrity overseers, and regulatory bodies from other jurisdictions. Their findings were disconcerting: the wagering activity associated with WBA events falls short of the integrity benchmarks stipulated for lawful online gambling within Ontario.
This instruction requires Ontario-based gaming entities to exclusively provide wagering on athletic contests governed by a recognized sports authority. This organization must implement regulations that bar individuals with insider knowledge from placing bets on their respective sports.
The gaming providers couldn’t establish to the AGCO’s satisfaction that the World Boxing Association (WBA) had sufficient safeguards to prevent insider wagering, which could encompass betting by individuals such as trainers, representatives, intermediaries, or others possessing confidential information. Additionally, there was no indication that the WBA investigates or tackles allegations of match manipulation or insider betting.
The AGCO has notified registered operators that they must demonstrate the WBA’s effective oversight of its events and adherence to regulatory benchmarks if they wish to reinstate wagering on WBA events in Ontario.
In December 2022, analogous concerns prompted a suspension of betting on Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) matches. This halt led the UFC to modify its policies and implement novel procedures, subsequently allowing betting to continue within the province.
Dr. Karin Schnarr, Registrar and CEO of the AGCO, stated: “Individuals in Ontario who opt to gamble on sporting events should have assurance that these events are equitable and that robust integrity safeguards are in place, supervised by competent sports governing entities.”
The sport of boxing enjoys immense popularity in Ontario, Canada, and enthusiasts are eager to resume wagering on WBA bouts now that the questionable practices are being addressed. No one supports manipulated contests or illicit information exchange, making these recent regulations a welcome change.
This development coincided with Air Dice Group receiving approval from the AGCO, the regulatory body overseeing gaming activities in Ontario. This B2B authorization holds significant weight for Air Dice as it unlocks numerous prospects within the North American digital gaming market.
admin