Ontario betting operators ordered to stop offering UFC bets
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario has told operators to stop accepting wagers on Ultimate Fighting Championship events due to concerns about non-compliance with integrity standards.
Canada.- The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has ordered sports betting operators to halt all betting on Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events. AGCO decision’s is due to concerns about non-compliance with its betting integrity requirements.
AGCO’s integrity safeguards are intended to mitigate match-fixing and other illicit activity that might influence the outcome events. They include an obligation that operators ensure events are “effectively supervised by a sport governing body which must, at minimum, prescribe final rules and enforce codes of conduct that include prohibitions on betting by insiders.”
Contrary to AGCO’s standards, the UFC does not prohibit insiders, including coaches, managers, medical professionals, handlers and trainers from betting on events.
Tom Mungham, AGCO’s registrar and CEO, said: “The Standards exist to protect the betting public and to provide the necessary safeguards against odds manipulation, match-fixing and other integrity issues. This is not a decision we take lightly, knowing the popularity of UFC events in Ontario’s sports books. However, the risks of insider betting on event and wagering integrity should be highly concerning to all. It certainly is to us.
“We will continue to work with gaming operators, the OLG, iGaming Ontario and UFC to ensure that wagering on UFC events meets the AGCO’s Standards.”
In October, AGCO ended its transition period for unregulated gaming operators. Now, it will take action against operators that haven’t obtained licences in the jurisdiction.
