A second Canadian province has announced a ban on UFC betting action, with Alberta following Ontario’s lead.
On Friday, Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC) ceased offering and accepting wagers on UFC events, effective immediately. Additionally, previously placed wagers on already announced/open for betting UFC fights have been voided, and money returned to players.
TSN was first to report the development, which comes in the wake of suspicious betting activity seen last month ahead of the Darrick Minner vs. Shayilan Nuerdanbieke bout on November 5.
The ALGC told TSN that “As of Dec. 1, AGLC stopped offering and accepting wagers on UFC events due to possible risks of wagering integrity.”
“AGLC will continue to monitor standards implemented by UFC before reinstating betting options on Play Alberta,” added Lynden McBeth, Senior Communications Officer, Policy & Public Affairs on behalf of the ALGC. “We are continuing to monitor the situation.”
In a follow-up with Cageside Press, McBeth clarified that the AGLC was aware of the promotion’s change in policy, announced in October, that prohibits UFC athletes, their corners, coaches, and other confidants from betting on UFC fights. They were also aware of a ban on James Krause, Minner’s coach, implemented Friday, that prohibits his fighters from competing in UFC events.
“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,” McBeth told Cageside Press. “AGLC is aware of recent changes announced by the UFC, including today’s and will continue to monitor the situation.”
Although Nuerdanbieke was a favorite heading into the fight, betting action shifted heavily in the hours before the fight to favor the Chinese fighter further. A larger than expected amount of betting action favored Nuerdanbieke to win inside of the first round, raising red flags with U.S. Integrity. Both they and the UFC, via betting integrity partner Don Best Sports, are investigating the incident.
Minner appeared to enter the fight with a leg injury, and was finished in little over a minute. The Nevada State Athletic Commission is currently pursuing a case against the fighter for failing to notify the commission of the ailment.
Further, Minner’s coach, Krause, has reportedly been “banned” from cornering his fighters, at least in Nevada, according to Glory MMA and Fitness fighter Miles Johns. Krause, who runs Glory MMA and has had a successful run of coach over the past several years, is a well-known betting enthusiast who ran a betting Discord and Youtube channel.
Both were recently deleted. In the U.S., the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement implemented a ban on bets involving Krause in any capacity, be it as fighter, coach, trainer, or promoter.
