Darts Players Banned for Match-Fixing Scandal
Two darts players, Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner, have been handed lengthy suspensions following their involvement in match-fixing and other breaches of the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) rules.
The Darts Regulation Authority Disciplinary Committee determined that Bennett and Warriner violated multiple rules, leading to their suspensions and financial penalties:
- Leighton Bennett: Suspended for eight years, until 11 August 2032, and ordered to pay £8,100.23 in costs. His violations included fixing the results of four matches, providing insider information, failing to assist an investigation, and signing a contract with an unregistered agent.
- Billy Warriner: Suspended for ten years, until 27 June 2034, and fined £8,100.23. He admitted to 19 charges, including match-fixing, providing insider information, betting on matches, failing to cooperate with the investigation, acting as an unregistered agent, and inappropriate behavior during a darts event.
Investigation Details
The allegations arose after the International Betting Integrity Association flagged suspicious betting patterns during several matches in the Modus Super Series in September 2023. The matches in question included games played by Bennett on 6 and 8 September 2023 against various opponents. The DRA, supported by the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, conducted a comprehensive inquiry, concluding that both players had engaged in match-fixing and related misconduct.
At the disciplinary hearing on 18 November 2024, the DRA presented evidence confirming the charges. The investigation emphasised that no other players were implicated in the scheme.
Appeal Deadline
Both Bennett and Warriner have the right to appeal the committee’s decision by 14 December 2024.
This case highlights the DRA’s strict approach to maintaining integrity within the sport. By imposing significant penalties, the authority aims to deter similar breaches and protect the credibility of darts competitions.
