Darts player Andy Jenkins banned for 11 years for match-fixing and betting offences

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has banned former professional darts player Andy Jenkins from its events for 11 years. 

News comes by way of a DRA statement, released on 30 April, which details the full extent of the investigation. 

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According to the release, Jenkins has been found guilty of all 24 charges against him – with the 54-year-old deemed to have rigged 12 separate matches and placed bets on numerous events. 

The investigation was aided by the UK Gambling Commission’s sports betting intelligence unit (SBIU) through the facilitation of information accrued by virtue of specialised enquiries.

A 34-page document outlines the full extent of Jenkins’ charges - in which he was at fault for fixing 12 matches between 22 February 2022 and 5 July 2023. As detailed in the report, Jenkins passed information relating to event outcomes to bettors. 

Jenkins initially denied the accusations presented by the DRA committee. However, he admitted to one charge of betting on 88 darts matches between 17 March 2022 and 4 May 2023. 

DRA rules specifically state that players are not permitted to place bets on darts events – culminating in the charge and Jenkins’ subsequent guilty plea.

As a result of his 12 match-fixing infractions spanning 24 charges, Jenkins will not be allowed to participate in DRA-organised events for 11 years. This punishment shall run concurrently with his penalty for betting on darts; a 12-month ban from “playing or being involved in” DRA-run contests.

Although Jenkins’ ban from DRA events was announced this week, his exclusion from the body’s contests is deemed to have begun on 15 November 2023 – the date at which he was first suspended by the regulatory federation. As such, he may partake in DRA-headed events from 14 November 2034. 

In addition to these sanctions, Jenkins has been ordered to pay a £17,580.03 fine by 31 December 2026. The DRA may alter this date at its discretion – but the reparation must be paid in full no later than 14 November 2034.

UKGC director of enforcement, John Pierce, believes this ruling sends a powerful message to the sporting world: “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.”

Pierce continued to outline that British bettors should be free to bet on fair events: “Betting customers in Britain deserve confidence that the markets they engage with are fair and free from corruption.

He concluded with a word on upcoming collaborations with crucial partners, as the UKGC endeavours to clamp down on match-fixing and betting-related transgressions: “Our Sports Betting Intelligence Unit will continue to work closely with partners such as the Darts Regulation Authority to identify and prevent match-fixing.”

Andy Jenkins may appeal the disciplinary committee’s decision no later than 6 May 2025.