Darts player Jenkins banned for match-fixing – Sports integrity
The UK Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has imposed an extensive 11-year ban on former professional darts player Andy Jenkins for his involvement in match-fixing across 12 separate games.
Jenkins was found guilty of manipulating the outcome of darts matches between February 22, 2022, and July 5, 2023. In a significant breach of integrity protocols, he also transmitted insider information regarding these matches to bettors, as confirmed by the DRA.
The investigation, conducted in collaboration with the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, concluded with no indications that other players in the implicated matches were involved in Jenkins’ illicit activities.
Additionally, Jenkins breached regulations prohibiting players from wagering on darts events. He admitted to placing bets on 88 matches from March 17, 2022, to May 4, 2023. The DRA strictly bans all players from participating in betting activities related to darts events.
As a result of these infractions, Jenkins will serve his 11-year suspension and has been fined £17,580 (approximately $23,453). He will remain ineligible to compete in DRA events until November 14, 2034.
A Strong Stance Against Match-Fixing
In response to the case, John Pierce, the commission director of enforcement, stated that this decision serves as a “strong and unequivocal message” to all athletes across various sports regarding the severe repercussions of match-fixing.
“If you engage in match-fixing, you are likely to be caught and face serious consequences,” Pierce emphasized. “Betting customers in the UK deserve assurance that the markets they participate in are fair and devoid of corruption.”
Moreover, he reassured stakeholders that the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit will maintain its vigilance and continue to collaborate with organizations like the DRA to identify and thwart match-fixing activities.
Jenkins is not the only darts player to encounter disciplinary measures for similar violations. In March, the DRA sanctioned English-Indian player Prakash Jiwa with an eight-year ban for both match-fixing and betting on darts, in addition to a cost order of £17,741.
In a related development last December, players Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner were both found guilty of match-fixing and admitted to the charges. Bennett received an eight-year suspension, while Warriner was handed a ten-year ban, along with cost penalties amounting to £8,100 each.
These cases highlight the DRA’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the sport, emphasizing the crucial need for transparency and fairness in gambling within darts and beyond.
