Ontario’s gaming regulator has fined FanDuel $350,000 for allegedly failing to properly identify and report suspicious betting on a potentially fixed table tennis tournament. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) said that between October 23 and November 30, 2024, FanDuel accepted 144 bets on matches in the Czech Table Tennis Star Series that showed multiple signs of match-fixing.

“The AGCO review found that, despite clear warning signals, FanDuel did not meet its obligations to detect, respond to, or report suspicious activity,” the commission said. As a result, wagering on the affected events continued for several weeks without interruption.

Red Flags Ignored

According to the AGCO, FanDuel failed to act on several warning signs:

• Abrupt shifts in betting patterns and odds involving two specific athletes.
• Bettors winning at “implausible and near-perfect rates” by wagering on certain athletes losing.
• Evidence of coordinated betting across multiple accounts.

The commission noted that industry warnings about the tournament’s integrity had already been issued prior to these events. “iGaming operators are the first line of defense against match-fixing,” the AGCO said. “Failure to report irregular betting undermines regulators, law enforcement, and sports authorities worldwide.”

This fine is believed to be the largest levied in Ontario since regulated sports betting launched in 2021.

FanDuel Responds

FanDuel has 15 days to appeal and has expressed disappointment with the ruling. A spokesperson stated the company had investigated and reported unusual betting patterns and said the fine “does not reflect the commitment and investment we have consistently demonstrated to protect our customers, the industry, and sports integrity.” FanDuel also warned that such actions could discourage operators from reporting suspicious activity.

Broader Context

The Ontario Provincial Police have opened a separate investigation into the Czech Table Tennis Star Series. Betting-related controversies have impacted multiple sports globally, including NBA and MLB, where players and coaches have faced scrutiny for influencing game outcomes to benefit bettors.

As table tennis betting grows in popularity, regulators are emphasizing vigilance to prevent match-fixing and protect the integrity of sports wagering markets.