Andy Jenkins Receives 11-Year Ban for Match Fixing in Darts
The UK Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has imposed an 11-year ban on former professional darts player Andy Jenkins, citing his involvement in fixing 12 matches between February 22, 2022, and July 5, 2023. Jenkins also transmitted confidential information regarding these matches to bettors, as confirmed by the DRA.
The DRA conducted a thorough investigation in collaboration with the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, which ruled out any involvement from other players in the matches implicated.
In addition to match-fixing, Jenkins violated betting regulations prohibiting players from wagering on darts events. He confessed to betting on 88 matches from March 17, 2022, to May 4, 2023. As a result, not only has he received a substantial fine of £17,580 (approximately $23,453), but he will also be barred from participating in DRA events until November 14, 2034.
A Firm Stance Against Match-Fixing
John Pierce, director of enforcement at the DRA, emphasized that this case sends a “strong and unequivocal message” to athletes across all sports regarding the severe repercussions of match-fixing. He underscored, "If you engage in match-fixing, you run the risk of being caught and facing dire consequences. It is essential for British betting customers to have faith in the integrity of the markets they participate in."
Pierce assured that the Sports Betting Intelligence Unit will persist in its efforts, working alongside organizations like the DRA to detect and prevent corruption in sports.
Jenkins is not the first darts player to receive a significant sanction for similar offenses. Earlier this year, the DRA banned English-Indian player Prakash Jiwa for eight years for both match-fixing and illegal betting activities. Jiwa was fined £17,741 for his actions.
In December, two other players, Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner, were also implicated in match-fixing, receiving bans of eight and ten years, respectively, along with fines totaling £8,100 each.
This trend highlights a growing intolerance within the darts community towards any form of dishonesty, reaffirming the commitment to maintaining the sport’s integrity.