Leighton Bennett suspended by the DRA over suspicious betting on Modus Super Series

Leighton Bennett has been suspended by the DRA over suspicious betting patterns relating to four of his matches in the Modus Super Series.

The alleged breaches of DRA rules took place between September 6-8, 2023, during four separate matches in the Modus Super Series.

The first of which came against Mindaugas Barauskas on September 6, before a further alleged breach against Benjamin Drue-Reus on the same day.

The second pair of matches in question were two days later against Ryan Harrington and again against Barauskas.

There is no suggestion that Bennett’s opponents in the matches in question were involved in any way.

The International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) reported suspicious betting on each of those matches, prompting the DRA to conduct an investigation alongside the Gambling Commission Sports Betting Intelligence Unit.

DRA Chairman Nigel Mawer decided that Bennett and fellow Development Tour player Billy Warriner both have a case to answer for a number of serious breaches of the DRA Rules.

Both have been suspended with immediate effect from attending or competing in DRA governed events until the conclusion of the hearing.

A statement from the Modus Super Series posted on Tuesday read:

The 2019 BDO World Youth Champion was tipped for greatness after beating Phil Taylor in an exhibition match aged just 13.

Bennett secured a PDC Tour Card at Qualifying School in January and notably landed a nine-darter in the opening Players Championship event of the season.

He is currently ranked 109th in the PDC Order of Merit after picking up £11,500 in prize money this year.

In June, Bennett was dropped by his management company Mach Darts over a ‘breach of contract’.

The Lincoln thrower becomes the latest player to face the wrath of the DRA for alleged betting breaches in the Modus Super Series, with Prakash Jiwa and Andy Jenkins currently suspended and Jack Main receiving a two-year ban in February.