The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has grown progressively worried about the legitimacy of boxing contests endorsed by the World Boxing Association (WBA). Significant apprehensions have arisen regarding potentially manipulated bouts and clandestine wagering operations. Consequently, the AGCO has mandated that all sports wagering platforms registered in Ontario cease accepting any wagers on WBA matches with immediate effect.
This resolution follows an extensive inquiry into dubious betting trends surrounding a WBA championship bout in Orlando, Florida, featuring Yunieski Gonzalez and Levan Nergadze. Two autonomous integrity overseers identified atypical wagering on the fight surpassing 5.5 rounds, notably with a particular internet gaming provider in Ontario. Subsequently, media accounts emerged alleging that Gonzalez’s representative had placed a substantial wager at a Florida gaming establishment on the fight exceeding 5.5 rounds. Gonzalez ultimately secured a knockout victory against Nergadze in the 10th round.
The AGCO undertook a comprehensive investigation, engaging in consultations with the WBA, registered gaming entities, integrity watchdogs, and regulatory bodies in other jurisdictions. They concluded that the wagering activities associated with WBA events do not satisfy the criteria of impartiality and openness mandated for licensed operators within Ontario.
This instruction requires all Ontario-registered gambling providers to exclusively provide wagering on athletic contests governed by a recognized authority with stringent regulations. This regulatory organization must uphold a rigorous code of ethics that forbids insiders from wagering on the competitions in which they participate.
The Ontario Alcohol and Gaming Commission (AGCO) determined that the World Boxing Association (WBA) failed to adequately prove that it effectively prevents insider wagering, particularly by individuals with access to private information, such as coaches, promoters, representatives, or competitors. Moreover, there was insufficient proof to indicate that the WBA actively probes or addresses claims of match manipulation or insider betting.
To restore wagering on WBA events in Ontario, licensed operators have been instructed to furnish the AGCO with verification that the WBA has established effective supervision and complies with regulatory benchmarks.
This scenario parallels a comparable instance from December 2022 concerning the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where wagering was halted due to probity apprehensions. The UFC subsequently amended its policies and implemented novel procedures, resulting in the resumption of wagering on their events within the province.
“Individuals in Ontario who opt to gamble on sporting events must have faith that those events are being conducted equitably and with integrity,” remarked Dr. Karin Schnarr, Registrar and CEO of the AGCO.
The sport of boxing holds significant weight in Ontario, Canada, and there’s palpable excitement surrounding the prospect of resuming wagers on WBA bouts once appropriate measures are established to counter match-fixing and unethical practices.
This development follows the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario’s approval of Air Dice Group, effectively granting them entry into the North American digital gaming market.