The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has halted UFC wagering within the province. Concerns have arisen regarding behind-the-scenes activities within the UFC that could potentially jeopardize the sport’s integrity. Essentially, the UFC has been deemed insufficient in its efforts to prevent individuals associated with the fights, such as trainers and representatives, from engaging in betting. This practice is strictly prohibited, as it creates opportunities for manipulated matches and other unethical practices. The AGCO’s decision follows recent controversies involving suspicions of UFC insiders placing bets and the emergence of questionable wagering trends. They underscore that this measure is crucial to safeguard the public and maintain fairness, particularly given the significant popularity of UFC betting in Ontario.
All parties involved must view the risk of wagering by insiders with the utmost gravity. This poses a genuine peril to the UFC and the broader realm of sports gambling. Past events have demonstrated the potential consequences of complacency. Therefore, we are collaborating closely with sportsbooks, the OLG, iGaming Ontario, and the UFC to guarantee that all wagers placed on UFC bouts adhere to the AGCO’s stringent benchmarks for equity and probity.