Darts player banned for eight years over match-fixing

Prakash Jiwa, an English-Indian darts player, has received an eight-year ban from the sport after being found guilty of serious offenses related to match-fixing and betting on darts events in the UK.

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) issued this ban, effective through November 6, 2031, as affirmed by the Gambling Commission on March 14. Consequently, Jiwa will be barred from participating in any DRA-sanctioned events for the next six and a half years.

The DRA’s sanctions follow an exhaustive examination during a Disciplinary Committee hearing held in January, which revealed multiple instances of match-fixing involving Jiwa. Specifically, four matches were flagged for suspicious activities, all featuring Jiwa as a participant.

In these contested matches, Jiwa faced significant defeats, losing 4-0 to Owen Bates on February 16, 2023, and Adam Hunt the following day. Additionally, he lost 4-1 to both Peter Hudson and Willie Borland in matches held on June 1, 2023.

Flagging of Suspicious Betting Activities by IBIA

According to the DRA’s report, the case was brought to light via an alert from the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) one day after Jiwa’s last matches. This alert highlighted what appeared to be suspicious betting patterns linked to two individuals associated with Jiwa.

Subsequently, Jiwa was suspended from competition immediately following this alert, a move that spurred a thorough investigation by the Gambling Commission.

Analysis revealed that these two individuals wagered a total of £2,752 (€3,273/$3,559) across the four flagged matches, exhibiting an alarming contrast in betting behavior, having only placed a mere £83 on matches not involving Jiwa.

Initially, Jiwa was notified that he would not face further action; however, a further independent performance assessment was conducted by former professional darts player Ritchie Gardner. Gardner’s assessment indicated a disconcerting trend, as Jiwa consistently delivered subpar performances, undermining the level one would expect from a player of his caliber. Gardner emphasized that several days between the matches eliminated the possibility of poor performance being attributed to a “bad day at the office.”

WhatsApp Communications Raise Alarming Questions

The DRA discovered a concerning WhatsApp exchange between the two individuals thought to be collaborating with Jiwa. The messages referenced suspicious betting behaviors and suggested an understanding to cease betting once Jiwa was suspended.

Upon interviewing Jiwa, he denied any involvement in wrongdoing. One of the accomplices claimed his betting success stemmed from a system he had developed years in advance. However, investigators uncovered call records between Jiwa and one of these individuals and raised questions regarding Jiwa’s deletion of key messages prior to his suspension.

Upon further investigation, Jiwa admitted to placing bets on darts involving one of the individuals being scrutinized. He acknowledged deleting messages that pertained to betting, including 10 to 15 messages that discussed betting strategies.

Jiwa Found Guilty of Match-Fixing and Betting Offenses

The DRA issued charges against Jiwa in October of the previous year, culminating in a hearing in January. Throughout the proceedings, Jiwa refuted four charges of match-fixing and one charge of obstructing the DRA inquiry, yet he conceded to the charge of betting on darts.

In delivering its verdict, the DRA confirmed Jiwa’s guilt regarding four counts of fixing matches and acknowledged his admission to betting on darts. The authority dismissed allegations of obstructing the inquiry and clarified that no other players were implicated in the case.

Consequently, Jiwa received an eight-year ban, partially backdated, allowing him the possibility of returning to professional play in six and a half years. Additionally, he was ordered to cover costs amounting to £17,741.

The Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU) played a critical role in supporting the DRA during this investigation. John Pierce, the Commission’s director of enforcement, stated, “All betting customers in Britain should have confidence that bets placed with licensed gambling businesses are on markets that are fair and free from betting-related corruption. Our BIU collaborates closely with partners to uphold sporting integrity and combat match-fixing. This decision serves as a clear message that betting-related corruption in sport will not be tolerated.”

Jiwa has until March 19 to file an appeal against the ruling.

The Ongoing Effort to Combat Match-Fixing in Darts

Jiwa’s ban adds to a growing list of recent disciplinary actions taken by the DRA against players involved in unethical practices. In December of the previous year, the DRA issued suspensions to several other players for their involvement in separate match-fixing incidents.

Prominent players Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner were both deemed guilty of match-fixing, receiving suspensions of eight and ten years respectively, along with a financial penalty of £8,100 each.

This surge in regulatory action underscores the DRA’s commitment to preserving the integrity of darts and ensuring a fair playing environment for all athletes involved in the sport.