Due to concern over the integrity of WBA events, The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has issued an order to all licensed operators in Canada to cease offering and accepting wagers.
This measure will be effective in Ontario immediately and includes all World Boxing Association contests and events.
AGCO made the decision, after determining that WBA sanctioned boxing events aren’t adequately protected against match fixing and insider gambling. The decision was made after a thorough review of betting activity suspiciously placed on one WBA sanctioned fight.
Two registered integrity monitors reported suspicious betting patterns that lasted over five-and-ahalf rounds to AGCO. In Ontario, a licensed igaming provider detected the same pattern.
Media reports also alleged Tellez’s manager bet $110,000 (PS64,300/EUR75,085/US$79,822) at a Florida casino on the match lasting over five and a half rounds. Tellez defeated Navarro at the end of round 10.
Insider gambling is a concern for regulators
AGCO’s review of the case began in December, 2023. It covered a wide range of issues. The AGCO reviewed the matter in December 2023 and covered a variety of bases.
Ontario’s regulator has concluded that bets on WBA boxing matches do not meet the current Registrar Standards for Internet Gaming. It has therefore put a stop to betting on WBA boxing events.
AGCO stated that licensed operators could not prove to the WBA that they prohibited betting by insiders. AGCO stated that this could include the athlete’s coach, manager, handler, athletic trainers or medical professionals.
Operators could not prove that WBA investigated or enforced the accusations of match fixing and insider betting.
Can WBA bets return to Ontario?
This could only be a temporary halt. AGCO said wagering may resume if operators prove that WBA events are effectively supervised.
This would ensure that WBA’s events are in compliance with Ontario’s Registrar Standards.
Karin Schnarr, CEO of AGCO and its registrar, said that “Ontarios that wish to wager on sporting events must be confident in the fairness and integrity of those events and be assured that they are being overseen by a sport governing authority that is effective.”
We look forward to reintroducing betting on WBA matches once the appropriate safeguards have been established against match-fixing or insider betting.
Ontario took similar action over UFC betting
It is not the only time AGCO ordered an end to certain gambling. The Ontario regulator ordered operators to cease offering UFC bets in December 2022 due to similar concerns about insider betting.
Few weeks before this, the UFC changed its rules to prohibit its fighters betting on UFC matches. AGCO stated that other insiders like coaches, managers and handlers could bet.
The ban only lasted a couple of weeks. UFC wagering was allowed in Ontario again the month after. The UFC had amended their policies and introduced a number of new protocol.
Coaches, managers, handlers athletic trainers or other people associated with UFC athletes, UFC, and the athletes themselves, could not bet at UFC events. UFC stated that any violation could result in discipline against contract athletes.
Ontario’s gambling advertising is under scrutiny
This ban comes also after a new study showed that gambling advertisements in Ontario are widely opposed.
Maru Public Opinion, published this month by Maru Corporation found that 59% of respondents support a ban on all gambling advertising. The majority also believes that operators do not act responsibly, and there should be greater government regulation.
This poll was conducted several weeks prior to the introduction of new advertising regulations by Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The regulations prohibit sportsbooks from using celebrities to promote their products. These regulations also prohibit sportsbook advertising on billboards near schools or places where vulnerable or youth populations gather.
