Darts Authority Issues Lengthy Ban to 2 Players for Match-Fixing

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) Disciplinary Committee has issued severe penalties against professional darts players Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner following an investigation into match-fixing and other regulatory breaches. Both players have been barred from participating in any DRA-sanctioned events for eight and ten years, respectively, in one of the most significant disciplinary actions in darts history.

The Investigation

The case originated after the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) reported irregular betting patterns during four fixtures of the Modus Super Series Darts. These matches included:

• Leighton Bennett vs. Mindaugas Barauskas (6 September 2023)
• Leighton Bennett vs. Benjamin Drue-Reus (6 September 2023)
• Ryan Harrington vs Leighton Bennett (8 September 2023)
• Leighton Bennett vs. Mindaugas Barauskas (8 September 2023)

The IBIA’s concerns prompted an in-depth investigation by the Gambling Commission Sports Intelligence Unit and the DRA. The findings revealed shocking violations of match-fixing regulations, leading to disciplinary action.

Charges and Penalties

Leighton Bennett

• The 17-year-old player was found guilty of 10 charges, including:
• Match-fixing across all four fixtures.
• Sharing insider information on games.
• Failing to cooperate with the investigation.
• Signing a contract with an unregistered darts agent.

Penalty: Bennett received an eight-year suspension and a fine of £8,100 ($10,256).

Billy Warriner

Warriner’s violations were even more severe, including:

• Acting as an unregistered agent on two occasions.
• Failing to comply with investigative procedures.
• Providing insider information.
• Threatening an opponent and abusing an official.

Penalty: Warriner was handed a ten-year suspension and a fine of £8,100 ($10,256).

Broader Implications for Darts and Betting Integrity

This case underscores the growing need for vigilance and strict regulatory measures in professional sports. The DRA’s investigation, bolstered by data from the IBIA, highlights the vital role of monitoring betting markets to safeguard the integrity of competitive events.

The intersection of professional darts and betting is increasingly significant, with events like the World Darts Championship driving record betting volumes. However, cases like these demonstrate the challenges posed by the rise of online and cryptocurrency-based betting platforms, such as Bitcoin betting on darts.

Bitcoin Betting and Darts

Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies have changed the sports betting industry, offering players anonymity and faster transactions. However, these advantages come with risks, particularly in ensuring fair play and transparency. Platforms specializing in Bitcoin betting on darts must prioritize partnerships with organizations like the IBIA to detect and deter fraudulent activities.

While Bitcoin betting has grown in popularity, it is crucial for regulators, betting operators, and sports bodies to collaborate and establish robust systems to monitor irregularities. This ensures that the integrity of darts and sports betting as a whole remains intact.

As cryptocurrency betting becomes more prevalent, cases like Bennett and Warriner’s serve as a reminder of the potential pitfalls. So, if you enjoy Bitcoin betting on darts, this highlights the importance of ensuring that you only place your bets at reputable sportsbooks, such as those listed here on GOSUBETTING.