Darts Player Banned for Eight Years Over Match-Fixing

Investigation Uncovers Betting Links and Suspicious Matches

The case against Jiwa stemmed from an alert raised by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) after suspicious betting activity was flagged on four matches he played in 2023. The matches, which all ended in defeat for Jiwa, showed an unusual betting pattern linked to two individuals with connections to him. These individuals placed £2,752 in bets on his matches but wagered only £83 on other games, raising concerns about possible match-fixing.

Following the alert, Jiwa was suspended from competition, prompting a joint investigation by the DRA and the UK Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU). Former professional darts player Ritchie Gardner reviewed Jiwa’s performances, noting consistently poor finishes that fell below his usual standard. Gardner dismissed the possibility that these results were due to an isolated off-day.

WhatsApp Conversations and Deleted Messages Raise Further Doubts

Additional scrutiny uncovered WhatsApp messages between the two bettors discussing irregular betting patterns. The conversations referenced stopping their wagers after Jiwa’s suspension, further deepening suspicions. Jiwa was later found to have deleted key messages from his phone, including communications with one of the individuals under investigation.

Initially, Jiwa denied any wrongdoing, though he later admitted to betting on darts. He confirmed he had deleted multiple messages related to gambling discussions. However, he continued to reject the charges of match-fixing.

DRA Verdict: Guilty of Match-Fixing and Betting

In a disciplinary hearing held in January, Jiwa faced five charges: four for match-fixing and one for obstructing the investigation. While he accepted the charge of betting on darts, he denied involvement in match-fixing.

After reviewing the evidence, the DRA ruled that Jiwa had fixed four matches and engaged in prohibited betting. However, it dismissed allegations that he obstructed the inquiry and found no evidence that other players were involved in the scheme.

The disciplinary committee imposed an eight-year ban, partially backdated, meaning Jiwa will be eligible to return to competition in six and a half years. He was also ordered to pay £17,741 in costs.

Broader Efforts to Combat Match-Fixing in Darts

Jiwa’s suspension is the latest in a series of actions taken by the DRA to uphold integrity in darts. In December 2023, the organization handed out bans to Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner for separate match-fixing cases. Bennett was suspended for eight years, while Warriner received a ten-year ban. Both were also ordered to pay financial penalties.

“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 works closely with partners to support sporting integrity investigations and combat match-fixing. This decision sends a clear message that betting-related corruption in sport will not be tolerated”, said John Pierce, director of enforcement at the Gambling Commission.

Jiwa has until 19 March to appeal the ruling.