The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the regulatory body for sports wagering in the region, has implemented a significant measure by prohibiting all bets on World Boxing Association (WBA) bouts. This action follows growing apprehension regarding the legitimacy of WBA boxing matches, particularly the possibility of bout manipulation and privileged wagering.
The AGCO’s inquiry commenced in December 2023 after questionable wagering trends arose surrounding a WBA championship match in Orlando, Florida, featuring Yunieski Gonzalez and Erislandy Lara. Autonomous integrity observers noted atypical betting conduct, specifically a rapid increase in wagers placed on the fight extending beyond 5.5 rounds. These bets were linked back to an internet-based wagering service operating within Ontario. Further intensifying the situation, media accounts emerged alleging that Gonzalez’s representative had placed substantial wagers at a Florida gaming establishment, also predicting the fight to surpass 5.5 rounds. Gonzalez eventually triumphed in the match with a knockout in the 10th round.
Following consultations with the WBA, wagering providers, integrity overseers, and other gaming regulators, the AGCO determined that the betting activity associated with WBA events no longer satisfied their criteria for ethical competition.
This instruction requires Ontario-licensed gaming providers to exclusively offer wagers on athletic competitions governed by a recognized regulatory authority. This organization must implement regulations that bar individuals with insider knowledge from placing bets on their respective sports.
The Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) determined that the World Boxing Association (WBA) lacked sufficient measures to effectively prevent insider wagering, which could encompass betting by individuals such as trainers, representatives, promoters, or others possessing access to confidential information. Furthermore, there was no indication that the WBA was actively pursuing or addressing potential match manipulation or insider betting activities.
Consequently, the AGCO notified registered operators of the need to remove WBA betting options from the Ontario market. To reinstate these offerings, operators would be required to demonstrate that the WBA’s supervision of the sport aligns with regulatory benchmarks.
This scenario parallels a comparable instance from December 2022, wherein wagering on UFC events was temporarily halted due to concerns regarding integrity. Subsequently, the UFC revised its policies and implemented novel protocols, resulting in the reinstatement of betting on their events within Ontario.
“Individuals in Ontario who opt to engage in wagering on sporting events should have confidence in the fairness of those events and the presence of reliable integrity protections,” stated Dr. Karin Schnarr, Registrar and CEO of the AGCO.
The sport of boxing is experiencing a surge in popularity within Ontario, Canada, and there is great enthusiasm to reinstate WBA wagering platforms promptly, once the integrity and transparency of these platforms can be guaranteed.
This initiative follows the recent granting of a B2B license to Air Dice by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, facilitating further growth within the North American digital gaming sector.