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Darts Star Andy Jenkins Banned 11 Years for Match-Fixing
In one of the most severe sanctions in darts history, veteran player Andy Jenkins has been handed an 11-year suspension and a hefty £17,580 fine for match-fixing and betting violations, shaking the professional darts community.
The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) announced on April 30, 2025, that its Disciplinary Committee found Jenkins guilty of fixing 12 matches during the Modus Super Series between February 2022 and July 2023. This scandal involves 24 charges, including match manipulation and the illegal sharing of inside information with bettors.
Even more damaging, Jenkins admitted to placing 88 bets on darts matches — a direct violation of DRA rules that strictly prohibit players from betting on any darts events, whether they participate in them or not.
Jenkins’ ban is backdated to November 15, 2023, and will run until November 14, 2034, effectively ending his professional playing career. Additionally, a separate 12-month suspension for betting breaches will run concurrently with the primary match-fixing ban.
The DRA has fined Jenkins £17,580, with full payment due by December 31, 2026, or by an extended deadline no later than November 14, 2034. Jenkins has until May 6, 2025, to appeal the ruling.
The investigation was supported by the UK Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit (SBIU), which helped facilitate information sharing. John Pierce, Director of Enforcement at the Commission, emphasized the importance of such action, stating:
“This case sends a strong and unequivocal message to all sportspeople: if you fix matches, you are likely to be caught and face serious consequences.”
This ruling is part of a larger crackdown on sports corruption. Notably, in December 2024, darts players Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner were banned for eight and ten years respectively for similar violations. The Jenkins case serves as a reminder that sports integrity enforcement is becoming more robust and that no player is above scrutiny.
For the betting public, maintaining confidence in fair and transparent markets is critical. Regulatory bodies are making it clear that they will not tolerate match manipulation or the misuse of privileged information.
Operators, players, and fans alike should stay informed about these developments. For athletes, the message is simple: obey betting rules, respect the integrity of the sport, and avoid any involvement with match manipulation. For operators, ongoing collaboration with regulators like the DRA and Gambling Commission is vital to maintaining the credibility of the sports betting ecosystem.
Andy Jenkins Banned 11 Years for Match-Fixing in Darts: A Wake-Up Call for Sports Integrity
Key Points
- Severe Penalty: Andy Jenkins receives an 11-year ban and £17,580 fine for fixing 12 darts matches.
- Multiple Breaches: Jenkins also admitted to placing 88 bets, violating DRA’s strict betting rules.
- Crackdown on Integrity: The Gambling Commission’s SBIU vows continued action to protect sports and betting markets.
The Bigger Picture: Why the Jenkins Case Matters
The Jenkins case is not just a headline-grabbing scandal — it’s a clear indicator that sports regulators are stepping up enforcement efforts across all levels of competition.
As the gambling industry grows and the financial stakes rise, the risk of corruption increases. Integrity frameworks, like those enforced by the DRA and Gambling Commission, are essential to safeguarding sports. Without them, confidence in betting markets erodes, fans lose trust, and the long-term viability of professional sports can be undermined.
Jenkins’ ban also underscores the personal and professional cost of such violations. Once celebrated for his contributions to darts, Jenkins now exits the sport in disgrace, with his reputation shattered. His case joins a troubling list of recent sanctions against darts players, signaling that the sport must work even harder to instill a culture of integrity.
Andy Jenkins’ 11-year ban is a landmark moment in the fight against match-fixing in darts. The ruling sends a resounding message across the sporting world: violations of integrity rules will be met with swift and severe punishment. As regulators tighten oversight and bolster cooperation, the sports betting sector must remain vigilant to uphold fairness, protect consumers, and ensure that competition remains untainted.
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