English Indian darts player banned for eight years in match-fixing scandal
The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has banned professional darts player Prakash Jiwa for eight years for match-fixing. The suspension, partly backdated, means that Jiwa cannot play in any DRA events until 6 November 2031. This decision follows an extensive probe into suspicious betting on Jiwa’s matches.
Details of the ban by DRA on Jiwa
The DRA, in association with the Gambling Commission, issued the ban on 14 March. The ban prevents Jiwa from participating in all professional darts tournaments under the DRA’s purview. The main reason for this decision was the discovery of match-fixing in several games played by Jiwa.
Four specific matches raised concerns due to questionable results and betting patterns. These games were:
- A 4-0 loss to Owen Bates (16 February 2023)
- A 4-0 loss to Adam Hunt (17 February 2023)
- A 4-1 loss to Peter Hudson (1 June 2023)
- A 4-1 loss to Willie Borland (1 June 2023)
The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) flagged unusual betting activities related to Jiwa’s matches. Two individuals with connections to Jiwa placed a total of £2,752 on games he was involved in, while only wagering £83 on unrelated matches.
Investigation by the Gambling Commission
After receiving the IBIA alert, the DRA and Gambling Commission launched an inquiry. Jiwa was suspended immediately. The investigation uncovered phone call records, WhatsApp messages, and deleted texts that further implicated Jiwa.
Former professional darts player, Ritchie Gardner, performed an independent assessment of Jiwa’s performances. He concluded Jiwa’s finishing levels to be way off his normal level, classifying them as “extremely worrying.” The performances took place on different days, eliminating the prospect of having an off-day.
Charges and Jiwa’s response
Jiwa faced five charges, including four related to match-fixing and one for obstructing the DRA’s inquiry. While he denied match-fixing, he admitted to betting on darts.
The DRA ruled Jiwa guilty of all four match-fixing charges and betting on darts but cleared him of obstructing the investigation. As a result, he received an eight-year ban and was ordered to pay £17,741 in costs.
Reactions from the Gambling Commission and DRA
John Pierce, Director of Enforcement at the Gambling Commission, stated, “All betting customers in Britain should have confidence that bets placed with licensed gambling businesses are on markets that are fair and free from betting-related corruption. Our BIU works closely with partners to support sporting integrity investigations and combat match-fixing. This decision sends a clear message that betting-related corruption in sport will not be tolerated.”
Jiwa is not the only player facing suspension. In December 2023, Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner were also found guilty of match-fixing, receiving eight- and ten-year bans respectively.
