The Darts Regulation Authority has announced that two players, Leighton Bennet and Billy Warriner, have been suspended from all DRA sanctioned events with immediate effect for alleged match-fixing.
According to the DRA statement, Bennett was first reported in September 2023 by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) for suspicious activity during four matches:
- Leighton Bennett v Mindaugas Barauskas – 06/09/2023
- Leighton Bennett v Benjamin Drue-Reus – 06/09/2023
- Leighton Bennett v Ryan Harrington – 08/09/2023
- Leighton Bennett v Mindaugas Barauskas – 08/09/2023
No details were given in relation to Warriner’s alleged activity other than the fact that he is suspended.
The statement noted:
The Darts Regulation Authority with support from the Gambling Commission Sports Betting Intelligence Unit conducted a thorough investigation into the allegation. The DRA Chairman Nigel Mawer has now decided that Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner both have a case to answer for a number of serious breaches of the DRA Rules.
As a result of this decision, Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner have been suspended from attending or competing in DRA governed events until the conclusion of the hearing or hearings and the determination of this matter. Both players have the right to appeal the suspension decision.
Their case will be referred to the DRA Disciplinary Committee where a formal hearing will take place on a date to be confirmed.
There is no suggestion that the other players in the matches in question were involved in any way.
Bennett claimed his PDC Tour Card this year having played mostly on the MODUS Super Series in 2023. He has been previously tipped to become one of the top talents in world darts following his success as World Youth Champion.
If Bennet or Warriner appeal the decision, their suspensions may be extended while the case is ongoing.
Darts Match-Fixing Problems
This brings the total number of players suspended for alleged match-fixing in the MODUS Super Series to 5. Jack Main, Prakash Jiwa and Andy Jenkins have been suspended since November 2003.
Main was found guilty and banned for two years. He then appealed his case, but the appeal was dismissed and he was ordered to pay costs of the appeal process. He is banned from attending or taking part in any DRA sanctioned events until 31st December 2025.
In 2020 Dutch player Wessel Nijman was banned for five years with half of that suspended after deliberately losing a match 4-0 against David Evans. The match had been played online due to pandemic restrictions with players playing at home. He deliberately missed doubles during the tournament.
The longest suspension issued to date was the eight year ban handed to Northern Ireland’s Kyle McKinstry. He was found to have deliberately lost two matches. He was banned for 6 and a half years for match-fixing and a further 18 months for failing to provide his phone records to the DRA. One of the matches he was accused of fixing was against Wessel Nijman.
Olivia has worked as an editor and writer for major brands across multiple niches. She now focuses on the iGaming and sports betting industries.
The world of professional darts was rocked recently with the suspension of two UK players for alleged match fixing. The players in question, who have not been named by the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), are said to have been involved in manipulating the outcomes of their matches for financial gain.
Match fixing is a serious issue in any sport, as it undermines the integrity of the game and erodes the trust of fans and sponsors. In darts, where precision and skill are paramount, the idea that players may be deliberately throwing matches is particularly troubling.
The PDC has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to match fixing, and takes allegations of misconduct very seriously. The organization has launched an investigation into the matter and will be working closely with authorities to get to the bottom of the allegations.
While the players in question have not been formally charged with any wrongdoing, their suspensions serve as a warning to others in the sport that such behavior will not be tolerated. The PDC is committed to upholding the integrity of darts and will take whatever steps necessary to ensure that the game is played fairly and honestly.
In the meantime, fans of darts are left wondering how such a scandal could have occurred in their beloved sport. It serves as a reminder that no sport is immune to corruption, and that vigilance is required to root out those who seek to tarnish the reputation of the game.
As the investigation unfolds, it is important for fans to remember that the actions of a few should not overshadow the skill and dedication of the many talented players who compete in the sport. Darts is a game of skill, strategy, and sportsmanship, and it is up to everyone involved to ensure that it remains that way.
