Ontario Bans WBA Betting Over Integrity Concerns

The Ontario regulator responsible for alcohol and gambling has made the significant decision to require all sports wagering operators with Ontario licenses to cease offering and taking wagers on World Boxing Association (WBA) bouts effective immediately.

This action follows serious apprehensions regarding the honesty of WBA-sanctioned boxing matches, especially concerning possible bout manipulation and wagering by those with inside information. The regulator initiated a thorough inquiry in December 2023 after questionable wagering behavior surrounding a WBA championship fight in Orlando, Florida, between Yunieski Gonzalez and Ilunga Makabu. Two distinct sports integrity entities identified atypical wagering trends, particularly bets placed on the fight lasting beyond 5.5 rounds. These trends were detected at an internet gaming provider licensed in Ontario. Subsequently, media accounts emerged alleging that Gonzalez’s representative placed a substantial wager at a Florida gaming establishment on the fight exceeding 5.5 rounds. Gonzalez proceeded to win the fight with a knockout in the 10th round.

Following extensive discussions with the WBA, registered wagering providers, autonomous sports integrity overseers, and regulatory bodies in other regions, the Ontario regulator concluded that it lacked assurance that wagers on WBA events satisfied its criteria for probity in online gambling.

This instruction essentially mandates that gaming entities in Ontario adhere to a crucial regulation: to offer wagers on any sport, that sport must be governed by a trustworthy body. Consider it a mark of legitimacy. This organization cannot merely exist – it must actively enforce regulations against wagering with insider information, guaranteeing a fair and equal opportunity for all.

The issue with the World Boxing Association (WBA) is that they haven’t convinced Ontario regulators of their commitment to this matter. There’s insufficient evidence to suggest they are taking strong action against those possessing insider knowledge – such as trainers, promoters, or anyone capable of manipulating a bet – from placing bets. They have also failed to demonstrate active investigations into potential match manipulation.

In essence, if Ontario is to permit wagers on WBA bouts, the WBA must elevate their standards and provide concrete proof of their efforts to maintain integrity.

This scenario isn’t entirely unprecedented. In December 2022, Ontario had to temporarily suspend UFC betting due to similar concerns. The UFC ultimately addressed the situation, strengthened their protocols, and wagering resumed.

The crux of the matter is that Ontario aims to provide its residents with a betting environment they can trust, knowing that the contests are fair and conducted with transparency.

The sport of boxing is experiencing a surge of popularity in Ontario, accompanied by considerable enthusiasm for the return of WBA bouts to wagering platforms. Naturally, this proposed comeback emphasizes a secure and controlled environment, implementing appropriate protocols to ensure integrity and transparency.

This development coincides opportunely with Air Dice receiving authorization from the AGCO, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. The acquisition of this B2B license carries significant weight, affording them the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the North American online gaming landscape.