Two Canadian provinces have banned betting on UFC fights in the last two days. First it was Ontario, and now Alberta has done the same thing.
On Thursday, The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) prohibited gambling on UFC fights citing potential ‘insider betting and suspicious betting patterns.’
“In recent weeks, the AGCO has learned of publicized alleged incidents, including possible betting by UFC insiders, as well as reports of suspicious betting patterns in other jurisdictions,” an AGCO statement read. “Therefore, the AGCO is now taking this step in the public interest. AGCO has indicated to operators that, once the necessary remedial steps have been taken, they may provide information demonstrating that UFC bets or betting products meet the Registrar’s Standards.”
On Friday, The Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) also announced that they have banned wagering on UFC bouts.
“As of Dec. 1, AGLC stopped offering and accepting wagers on UFC events due to possible risks of wagering integrity,” Lynden McBeth, senior communications officer for AGLC told TSN. “Previously placed UFC wagers on PlayAlberta.ca have been voided and the stake returned to the player.
“AGLC will continue to monitor standards implemented by UFC before reinstating betting options on Play Alberta. We are continuing to monitor the situation. Once we are confident that UFC’s regulator body is effectively protecting fighters, fans and bettors, AGLC will give every consideration to reinstating betting markets on PlayAlberta.ca.”
On November 5 at UFC Vegas 64, a featherweight bout between Darrick Minner and Shayilan Nuerdanbieke raised red flags after the betting lines dramatically changed hours before the fight. The fight ended in just 67 seconds due to an injury, an injury many believe Minner had entered the match.
The Nevada Athletic Commission launched an investigation into the bout. Minner’s head coach, James Krause was not allowed to corner one of his other fighters by the fight promotion at UFC Vegas 65 on November 19.
Before the two Canadian provinces barred UFC gambling, the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement stopped allowing wagers to be placed on fights that Krause has any connection to.
Ontario and Alberta Canada have banned betting on UFC fights