The Ontario regulator responsible for alcohol and gambling has made the significant move to halt all wagers on World Boxing Association (WBA) bouts. This immediate action impacts all licensed sports wagering providers in the province.
The regulator’s apprehensions originate from grave uncertainties regarding the legitimacy of boxing matches sanctioned by the WBA. Extensive anxieties about potential bout manipulation and privileged wagering are casting a shadow over the sport.
This measure comes after an exhaustive inquiry by the agency, initiated in December 2023. The focal point of the dispute is the WBA championship match in Orlando, Florida, between Yunieski Gonzalez and Erislandy Lara. Dubious wagering trends, especially concerning the fight surpassing 5.5 rounds, were identified by not just one but two separate integrity overseers at an Ontario online gaming company. Further intensifying the situation were accounts of Gonzalez’s promoter placing unusually substantial bets at a Florida gaming establishment, also on the bout exceeding 5.5 rounds. Gonzalez ultimately triumphed in the 10th round via knockout.
Following discussions with a broad spectrum of involved parties, including the WBA itself, licensed wagering providers, integrity watchdogs, and regulatory entities in other regions, the agency reached this challenging but essential decision. They determined that permitting wagers on WBA events, at present, cannot satisfy the stringent integrity benchmarks they require for online gaming within Ontario.
This instruction requires licensed gaming providers in Ontario to exclusively provide sports wagering on competitions effectively overseen by an acknowledged sports regulatory authority. This authority must possess and implement a code of ethics that forbids insider gambling.
The providers were incapable of proving to the AGCO that the WBA efficiently prohibits betting by those with privileged information, potentially encompassing athletes, trainers, executives, representatives, or other persons possessing access to non-public data. Moreover, there was no indication that the WBA had undertaken endeavors to examine or address potential match manipulation and insider wagering claims.
To restore WBA betting offerings in Ontario, the AGCO has advised registered providers that they must furnish proof of effective event supervision by the WBA that fulfills regulatory benchmarks.
In December 2022, comparable apprehensions resulted in a suspension of betting on UFC events, prompting the UFC to modify its regulations and execute novel protocols, after which wagering within the province recommenced.
“Individuals in Ontario who opt to place wagers on sporting contests should feel assured that these events are being executed fairly and with integrity protections established and enforced by a competent governing entity,” remarked Dr. Karin Schnarr, Registrar and CEO of the AGCO.
The province of Ontario, Canada, has a serious love for the sport of boxing! To take advantage of this passion, they are preparing to launch wagering on World Boxing Association bouts, but only after ensuring absolute transparency and fairness. Fixed matches and unethical leaks of privileged information will be strictly prohibited!
In other significant Ontario gaming news, Air Dice Group recently received approval from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. This business-to-business authorization positions them to become a prominent force in the North American digital gambling market. Prepare for an exciting surge in activity!
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