DRA Bans Two UK Players for Match-Fixing

The UK’s Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has issued bans to Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner following their admission of and guilt in match-fixing charges.

Leighton Bennett has been suspended from darts for eight years, while Billy Warriner faces a ten-year ban. Both players were also ordered to pay £8,100 (€9,762/$10,271) each in costs.

The investigation stemmed from a report by the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) in September 2023, which highlighted suspicious betting activity during matches in the Modus Super Series.

Details of the Matches in Question:

-On 6 September 2023, Bennett played against Mindaugas Barauskas and Benjamin Drue-Reus.
-On 8 September 2023, he faced Ryan Harrington and Barauskas again.

Following collaboration with the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, the DRA launched a full investigation and suspended both players in August 2023. At a hearing on 18 November, the DRA Disciplinary Committee found both players guilty of “serious” rule breaches.

Charges and Rulings:

• Leighton Bennett was found guilty of 10 charges, including:

  • -Fixing the four matches.
  • -Providing inside information.
  • -Failing to assist with the investigation.
  • -Signing a contract with an unregistered agent.

• Billy Warriner, though not a player in the specified matches, admitted to:

  • -19 charges, including organizing and participating in match-fixing.
  • -Providing inside information.
  • -Betting on darts.
  • -Failing to assist with the investigation.
  • -Acting as an unregistered agent.

Warriner also admitted to a separate incident at a darts event, where he was abusive to an official and threatened an opponent.

Bans and Future Implications:

• -Bennett is barred from any DRA events until 11 August 2032.
• -Warriner’s ban extends until 27 June 2034.
• -Both players have until 14 December to appeal the decisions.

Bennett was once regarded as a rising star in darts, becoming the youngest British Darts Organisation (BDO) youth champion at age 13 in 2019. These bans mark a significant fall from grace for the young talent.