Darts Competitor Andy Jenkins Receives an 11-Year Suspension for Rigging Over a Dozen Games
Revised Article:
Andy Jenkins, a seasoned darts player, finds himself in hot water once more, slapped with an 11-year ban from all Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) events. This time, the 54-year-old is accused of fixing a dozen matches from February 2022 to July 2023, a charge that comes with a whopping £17,580 ($23,413) fine.
Jenkins handed over fix details to bettors and made 88 illicit wagers on his own account, a move that goes against DRA rules. No evidence points to other players being implicated. Jenkins has until May 6 to lodge an appeal.
Suspicious betting activity on five of his matches had initially set alarm bells ringing, kicking off an investigation. The DRA enlisted the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) Sports Betting Intelligence Unit and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) for help following a tip from a sportsbook operator.
Discussing the ban, UKGC Director of Enforcement John Pierce emphasized, "This sends a clear message to all athletes: if you tamper with games, you're likely to get caught and face harsh consequences." He underscored the importance of ensuring fair markets for bettors.
It's worth noting that this isn't Jenkins' first brush with discipline. Back in 2009, he was given a two-year suspension for physically assaulting opponent Terry Jenkins during a match.
In the world of darts, Jenkins stands out as a former semi-finalist in the PDC World Championship, a significant achievement in his career. Despite this, his legacy has taken a hit following this recent scandal. Prior to this 11-year ban, there were no reports of previous multi-year bans for Jenkins. The sports world is watching closely as the darts community works to maintain its integrity amidst such controversies.
- Andy Jenkins, despite his past achievements as a semi-finalist in the PDC World Championship, is currently facing a likely severe impact on his reputation due to a 11-year ban from all Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) events, following accusations of fixing a dozen matches.
- The DRA's decision to ban Jenkins comes with a hefty £17,580 ($23,413) fine, signifying the severity of his actions against the rules.
- Evidence points to Jenkins providing fix details to bettors and making 88 illicit wagers on his own account, a move that has raised concerns about the integrity of the sports world, leading to intensive investigations by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).
- The UKGC Director of Enforcement, John Pierce, emphasized the importance of maintaining fair markets for bettors, stating that the ban on Jenkins serves as a clear message to all athletes that fixing games is likely to result in harsh consequences.
