We are still in the first few months after online betting was regulated in Ontario, and the responsible authority has already started making groundbreaking moves. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) has ordered licensed bookmakers to immediately stop taking bets on the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
UFC Match-Fixing and Other Concerns
The astonishing action comes after the AGCO expressed its worries regarding non-compliance with its integrity rules. In order to protect against problems with match-fixing, odds manipulation, and other aspects of sports betting integrity, the regulator has informed all operators in Ontario that they must adhere to the guidelines.
Since the UFC does not prohibit insiders, such as trainers, coaches, fighters, managers, and handlers, from betting on the brand's events, which could result in fight manipulation, cheating, and illegal conduct, only betting on the UFC has been impacted.
With a statement, AGCO noted that they have recently learnt about reported alleged instances, including potential betting by UFC insiders, as well as information on potentially suspicious betting patterns in other countries. Thus, they are now acting in the public interest by taking that action.