Bingham is banned over bets
matches between 2003 and 2015 using a thirdparty account owned by manager Gary Purkiss.
There were also bets on matches involving other players using both his own betting account and the third party’s.
The hearing, though, chaired independently by Nicholas Randall QC, concluded there was no evidence of any corruption. Five-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan felt Bingham had escaped lightly and tweeted: “He’s had a result...#noconsistency. He bet on his own matches.”
Bingham, who has 14 days to appeal, must also pay £20,000 costs and get help over his gambling to avoid the full six-month penalty.
A WPBSA statement read: “There is no suggestion whatsoever that Stuart Bingham was doing anything to influence match outcomes or engaged in any corrupt activity, he was solely betting on snooker.”
Bingham’s ban starts this week and the first tournament he will miss will be the International Championship in China.
He is the fourth senior player to be punished in 2017 for betting on matches. Alfie Burden, Joe Perry and Kurt Maflin all received suspended bans of between three and six months and fines of between £2,500 and £5,000.
WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: “It is very disappointing to see such a high-profile player fall foul of the betting rules. Stuart is a great competitor and I have no doubt he has always played to the best of his ability.
“But players must understand that they cannot bet on snooker at all, even if they are not involved in a match or event.”