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Operators have been mandated by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario to discontinue accepting wagers on the UFC.
Due to an ongoing investigation and concerns regarding integrity, Ontario bettors were prohibited from placing bets on the leading figure in the world of MMA.
In the subsequent days, Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis also took similar action.
Michigan sportsbooks continued to accept UFC betting, however, the Michigan Gaming Control Board closely monitored the ongoing issues surrounding the UFC.
Update: AGCO lifts UFC betting ban
The ban on UFC betting in the province was lifted by the AGCO on January 19, following Alberta’s earlier decision to lift the ban.
After implementing stricter regulations regarding sports wagering in its fighter code of conduct and appointing U.S. Integrity to oversee sports betting, the UFC’s decision to lift the ban in Ontario was announced.
The revised policy now forbids UFC fighters from participating in any form of betting on UFC fights, whether it be through themselves or by using a representative. These regulations also extend to all “UFC insiders,” comprising coaches, managers, trainers, or any person with direct affiliation to a fighter.
Why did the AGCO ban UFC betting?
The AGCO has implemented regulations to prevent the manipulation of odds and match-fixing.
The UFC and similar operators must guarantee that:
- In order to place bets on sporting events, it is necessary for the event to be adequately supervised by a governing body responsible for setting definitive rules and ensuring compliance with codes of conduct. These regulations should explicitly forbid any form of betting by individuals with privileged access to insider information.
- Sufficient integrity safeguards are implemented to reduce the risk of match-fixing, cheating, and other illegal activities that could impact the outcome of betting on events.
For a certain duration, the UFC allowed insiders such as coaches, managers, trainers, medical professionals, and others with access to undisclosed information to place bets on their fights.
The AGCO became aware of alleged incidents, including potential betting by UFC insiders and suspicious betting patterns, which were made public before the decision to ban UFC betting.
Tom Mungham, the Registrar and CEO of AGCO, stated that the decision to restrict UFC events in Ontario’s sports books was not made lightly. He acknowledged the immense popularity of these events but emphasized the importance of addressing the risks associated with insider betting and maintaining the integrity of wagering. AGCO remains committed to collaborating with gaming operators, OLG, iGaming Ontario, and UFC to ensure that wagering on UFC events complies with AGCO’s Standards.
Once the necessary steps have been taken, the AGCO notified the UFC that it would be open to accepting wagers on their events once more.
Nuerdanbieke-Minner fight leads to betting investigation
On October 18, the UFC made an official announcement stating that all fighters and their respective teams are strictly forbidden from placing bets on any UFC fights. The decision was motivated by the need to comply with regulations and rules set by authorities in different states.
Suspicions arose following a fight between featherweights Shayilan Nuerdanbieke and Darrick Minner, which took place on November 5th in Las Vegas.
Nuerdanbieke was initially favored at -220 as the fight day approached. However, in the hours leading up to the bout, the odds surged to -420.
Several sportsbooks have reported receiving atypical wagers on Nuerdanbieke emerging victorious. Additionally, they have received questionable bets on Nuerdanbieke winning via first round knockout, along with bets on the fight lasting less than 2.5 rounds.
Nuerdanbieke secured a TKO victory in just 1 minute and 7 seconds of the fight. Minner attempted a quick kick but was swiftly hindered as he grabbed his leg. Taking advantage, Nuerdanbieke swiftly approached and concluded the match with a series of knee strikes and ground elbows.
It is alleged that Minner and his team deliberately concealed an injury on his pre-fight medical form, fully aware that he would be entering the fight with a handicap.
The NSAA took disciplinary action against Minner after he failed to disclose his pre-fight medical form. Consequently, he was suspended by the NSAA. James Krause, Minner’s coach, is currently facing a suspension of his license by the NSAA while an investigation is conducted regarding the incident.
Krause has received a ban from attending future UFC events, and any fighters under his coaching or training are also prohibited until the ongoing investigation concludes.
The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement has issued a directive to its sportsbooks, prohibiting them from accepting bets on any Krause-related fights.
MGCB monitored UFC situation
While Michigan has always permitted UFC betting, the MGCB did pay attention to the actions of other organizations.
The Michigan Gaming Control Board responded to the situation by stating that they were aware of the AGCO decision and were closely monitoring the situation.
At present, the MGCB has granted approval for betting on four distinct MMA organizations within the states.
- UFC
- Dana White’s Contender Series
- Bellator Fighting Championships
- One Championship
Betting held for PFL event after fights occurred
There have been previous instances of MMA betting controversies this year, and the latest UFC situation adds to the list.
On April 1, the Professional Fighters League hosted an event that was advertised as “live,” despite being recorded a week earlier on March 25.
Bets were being accepted for the PFC Challenger Series event only after the fights had already taken place.
The live event, promoted by FuboTV, was broadcasted on April 1st at 9 p.m. ET.
In the hours preceding the broadcast, the odds heavily shifted in favor of the victorious fighter for each of the fights.
The PFL was removed from the wagering catalog of various state gaming commissions due to the incident.
The PFL is not included in the MGCB’s MMA betting catalog.
