DRA hands out lengthy bans to two darts players for match-fixing
Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner have been banned from darts for eight & 10 years respectively.
Key points:
– Leighton Bennett has received an eight-year ban and fine for match fixing
– Billy Warriner has received a 10-year ban for match fixing an and acting as an unregistered agent
– Both players have also been fined £8,100 each
The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) Disciplinary Committe has concluded the case of Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner, deeming both players to have been in breach of match fixing regulations – resulting in lengthy bans.
The case began following reports of suspicious betting behaviour submitted by the Internatinal Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), following multiple Modus Super Series Darts fixtures. Namely, the fixtures under initial scrutiny were;
– Leighton Bennett v Mindaugas Barauskas
– Leighton Bennett v Benjamin Drue-Reus
– Leighton Bennett v Ryan Harrington
– Leighton Bennett v Mindaugas Barauskas
Of the four matches in question, the initial two were played on the 6 September 2023, with the remaining two being played on 8 September 2023.
Following the concerns raised by the IBIA, the Gambling Commission Sports Intelligence Unit, alongside the DRA, conducted an in-depth investigation which revealed severe breaches of DRA match fixing rules.
In the case of Bennett, the player was found guilty on 10 counts of match fixing charges across the four matches, alongside providing inside information on the fixtures, failing to assist an investigation and signing a contract with an unlisted darts agent.
Good to know: In January, Kambi reported record numbers of betting during the World Darts Championship final
Subsequently, Bennett has been charged with an eight-year suspension from any and all DRA regulated events and fined a total sum of £8,100 ($10,256).
Regarding Warriner, the player was found guilty of providing inside information on the aforementioned matches, two instances of acting as an unregistered agent alongside four instances of failing to comply with the investigation, two counts of acting as an unregistered darts betting agent – as well as an unrelated incident involving him threatening an opponent and abusing an official
Subsequently, Warriner has been handed a 10-year suspension and a fine of £8,100.
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