Darts Legend Prakash Jiwa Hit With 8-Year Ban for Fixing Matches

Following an investigation and hearing by the Darts Regulation Authority, Prakash Jiwa has been found guilty of fixing matches and banned for eight years, although he denies ever doing so.

Prakash Jiwa Is Banned from Pro Darts

Prakash Jiwa received an eight-year ban from the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) disciplinary committee. The player will not be allowed to compete in any officially sanctioned games as the DRA found out he was fixing matches and betting on darts. His ban comes following an official hearing before the DRA on January 21, 2025, and an associated investigation. The suspension means Jiwa is prohibited from participating in any DRA tournaments or engaging in any related activities until November 2031. In addition, he is required to cover the £17,741 ($22,932) costs associated with the hearing.

The illegal activity was initially uncovered when the International Betting Integrity Association alerted the DRA. Two individuals associated with the player placed bets on the Betfair Exchange, earning a total profit of £5,834 ($7,541). A report from former darts professionals reviewed Jiwa’s performance in the matches, highlighting that his notably poor finish was “extremely concerning,” as his darts missed their intended target by more than an inch. In addition, the regulatory authorities accessed a WhatsApp conversation where the bettors essentially confessed to their match-fixing scheme.

John Pierce, who is the Commission Director of Enforcement, also commented on the matter:

Our Sports Betting Intelligence Unit works closely with partners such as the Darts Regulation Authority 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.

Commission director of enforcement John Pierce

It’s not the First Time Jiwa Clashed with the DRA

Jiwa has had trouble with the DRA well before his most recent ban. In November 2023, Jiwa was suspended due to suspicious betting on matches. The match-fixing allegations are believed to be connected to four Modus Super Series matches played on February 16 and 17, and June 1, 2023. On June 2, 2023, the DRA was notified by the International Betting Integrity Association about suspicious betting on the match between Jiwa and Peter Hudson, which took place on June 1.

Three days later, on June 5, the IBIA issued another alert regarding the match between Jiwa and Willie Borland, which was also played on June 1. This alert also raised concerns about the matches against Owen Bates and Adam Hunt, which were held on February 16 and 17 of the same year, respectively. It should be noted that all of these players were involved in any way with Jiwa.

Following his latest ban, Jiwa has until 19 March 2025 to appeal the decisions of the DRA’s disciplinary committee.