Ontario and Alberta Call Off UFC Bets

As of December 1st, the Alberta Gaming, Liquor, and Cannabis Commission (AGLC) released an announcement stating they are no longer taking bets on UFC fights “due to possible risks of wagering integrity.” Additionally, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario mandated operators to stop betting on the UFC. 

The AGCO has standards in place for operators to protect against match-fixing and odds manipulation. 

Any and all UFC wagers previously placed on Play Alberta, AGLC’s online sportsbook, have been rescinded, and money repaid to customers. 

“This is not a decision we take lightly, knowing the popularity of UFC events in Ontario’s sports books,” said AGCO Registrar and CEO Tom Mungham. “However, the risks of insider betting on events and wagering integrity should be highly concerning to all. It certainly is to us. We will continue to work with gaming operators, the OLG, iGaming Ontario, and UFC to ensure that wagering on UFC events meets the AGCO’s Standards.”

A recent ongoing investigation provided the details of these concerns. Due to the current situation the UFC is facing, the Michigan Gaming Control Board is keeping a close eye on updates to determine if any actions need to be taken in the state.

Nuerdanbieke-Minner Match Raised Suspicion 

Following the fight on November 5th, where Shayilan Nuerdanbieke knocked out Darrick Minner in the first round, several regulators and sportsbooks expressed concern. Many sportsbooks claimed to receive unusual wagers for Nuerdanbieke to win in a first-round knockout. That is exactly what happened 1:07 into the fight ending with a TKO (technical knockout). 

What led to the investigation is the belief that Minner failed to communicate an existing injury in his pre-fight medical form. Minner entered the fight destined for failure. Nevada State Athletic Association (NSAA) is ensuing disciplinary action against Minner. 

James Krause, Minner’s coach, was a former fighter and well-known sports bettor with a substantial Youtube following and is now facing serious consequences from this investigation. The NSAA has suspended his license with a pending investigation. Additionally, Krause is prohibited from attending any future UFC events, and any athlete coached by Krause is banned until the investigation has concluded.

What’s the Next Move for MGCB?

The Michigan Gaming Control Board stated that they are “aware of the AGCO decision, and they are monitoring the situation closely.” Currently, Michigan is still permitting UFC betting. With that being said, they are taking note of what other organizations are doing and keeping a close eye on the current investigation against Krause.

As of right now, the MGCB has allowed these four MMA organizations to participate in betting in MI: UFC, Dana White’s Contender Series, Bellator Fighting Championships, and One Championship. 

Further Action Taken By The AGLC 

The action taken by the UFC to reprimand Krause and keep UFC betting a safe and fair activity for customers has been positively received by AGLC, and thus have decided to reinstate UFC betting in Alberta. 

“Protecting consumers in Alberta is of the utmost importance to AGLC. We will remain vigilant in monitoring the situation and ensure players continue to have safe and secure gaming opportunities on Play Alberta,” said AGLC Communications Manager Karin Campbell.

Despite the recent action of the AGLC, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario awaits further action from the UFC to ensure Ontario’s bettors have an honest and safe environment to wager on sports.

“We recognize the recent steps taken and are committed to engaging with Ontario’s gaming industry, UFC, the OLG, and iGaming Ontario to ensure that the UFC has the necessary betting integrity framework in place, in particular relating to wagering by UFC insiders.”

Mac Daniel is a Michigan native and freelance writer for PlayOnlineCasino and PlayOnlineSportsBetting. He has experience writing about a wide variety of topics, including healthcare, tourism, non-profit organizations, and most recently casino and sportsbetting news. To check out more of his work, visit: playonlinemichigan.com