Two Darts Players Suspended for Match-Fixing Violations

Match-Fixing and Investigation

The bans are for actions during the Modus Super Series in September 2023. IBIA reported suspicious betting patterns on matches involving Bennett and Warriner. The matches in question were:

• Leighton Bennett v Mindaugas Barauskas – September 6 and September 8, 2023
• Leighton Bennett v Benjamin Drue-Reus – September 6, 2023
• Leighton Bennett v Ryan Harrington – September 8, 2023

The DRA worked with the UK Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit to investigate. The findings showed the two players were in breach of the DRA Rules. However, the investigation concluded that no other individuals were involved in the case.

Bennett and Warriner Penalties

Both players were found guilty of match-fixing and related charges at a hearing on November 18, 2024.

• Leighton Bennett was found guilty of 10 charges, including match-fixing, providing inside information, and signing a contract with an unregistered agent. His lack of cooperation during the investigation was also noted. As a result, he received an 8-year suspension and a fine of £8,100.23.
• Billy Warriner admitted to 19 of 21 charges, including providing inside information, facilitating betting on the matches, and acting as an unregistered darts bookmaker. He was also accused of abusive behavior toward a darts official in an unrelated incident. Warriner was handed a 10-year suspension and fined £8,100.23.

Both players have until December 14, 2024, to appeal.

In better news for the darts world, Flutter held a charity darts challenge with professional player Joe Cullen as part of their annual Charity Ball. The event raised money for selected charities, demonstrating the positive role darts can play in community engagement.