Darts Competitor Andy Jenkins Suspended for 11 Years Due to Alleged Manipulation of Over a Dozen Matches
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Sportsman Andy Jenkins, a former semi-finalist at the World Championship of darts, has been booted out of the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) tournaments for an extended period of 11 years. This decision comes after the discovery of match-fixing activities in numerous games between 2022 and 2023. A hefty fine of £17,580 ($23,413) also accompanies his suspension.
The 54-year-old, unabashedly, passed on crucial information about these manipulated matches to some bettors and even placed 88 bets through his personal account – an action that's strictly forbidden in the world of darts. Reports suggest no involvement from other players in this ordeal. Jenkins has until the 6th of May to lodge an appeal.
Suspicious betting patterns on five of Jenkins' matches served as a red flag, leading a sportsbook operator to report such activity. The DRA then collaborated with the UK Gambling Commission's (UKGC) Sports Betting Intelligence Unit and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA), seeking crucial help in conducting investigations.
Expressing his views on the ban, John Pierce, the United Kingdom Gambling Commission's (UKGC) Director of Enforcement, stated that it drive home a solid message to all sportspeople: "If you rig games, you’ll most likely meet your downfall and face severe penalties."
Further bolstering his statements, Pierce emphasized the importance of assuring bettors that markets remain untainted and above-board.
This isn't the first time Jenkins has faced a multi-year ban during his career. In 2009, he was slammed with a two-year suspension for assaulting his opponent in a match.
Sources:1. https://www.bbc.com/sport/darts/609410232. https://www.dartsregulation.com/news/mar2023-5-darts-results-manipulation-appeal
- Andy Jenkins, a former semi-finalist at the World Championship of darts, is expected to face another multi-year ban, as he has been accused of match-fixing activities in numerous games between 2022 and 2023.
- Jenkins, who is 54 years old, likely passed on crucial information about these manipulated matches to some bettors and even placed 88 bets through his personal account.
- The General-News section will likely cover the decision made by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) to suspend Jenkins for 11 years, following investigations by the UK Gambling Commission's (UKGC) Sports Betting Intelligence Unit and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA).
- The Director of Enforcement at the UKGC, John Pierce, stated that this ban is likely to serve as a reminder to all sportspeople, stating, "If you rig games, you’ll most likely meet your downfall and face severe penalties."
