Players suspended for suspicious activity during Modus Super Series

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) has said that players Leighton Bennett and Billy Warriner ‘have a case to answer’ for several serious betting-related breaches.

On 8 September 2023, the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) reported suspicious activity on the four darts matches played in the Modus Super Series – a weekly live-streamed competition held in Portsmouth.

With support from the Gambling Commission Sports Betting Intelligence Unit, the DRA conducted a ‘thorough’ investigation into the allegation, with Chairman Nigel Mawer dictating the decision.

Therefore, the pair have been suspended from attending or competing in DRA governed events until the conclusion of the hearing or hearings and the determination of this matter.

Leighton Bennett vs Mindaugas Barauskas played on 06/09/2023, Leighton Bennett vs Benjamin Drue-Reus played on 06/09/2023, Leighton Bennett vs Ryan Harrington played on 08/09/2023 and Leighton Bennett vs Mindaugas Barauskas Played on 08/09/2023.

The DRA emphasised that there is no suggestion that the other players in the matches in question were involved in any way. 

18-year-old Bennet claimed his PDC Tour Card earlier this year, but will not be able to play on the ProTour or any events while this investigation concludes. 

Both players’ cases will be referred to the DRA Disciplinary Committee where a formal hearing will take place on a date to be confirmed, and both players have the right to appeal the suspension decision.

Similarly, Jack Main, Prakash Jiwa and Andy Jenkins were all suspended in November 2023 for the same offence during the Modus Super Series.