BINGHAM BANNED
Ex-world champion gets 6-month suspension for betting on own matches
Stuart Bingham has been banned for six months after breaking snooker’s betting rules, including placing wagers on his own matches.
the 41-year-old, who lifted the world title at the Crucible in 2015, was found to have placed bets totalling £36,000 on matches — some of which he was playing in — over a period of 12 years.
the World Professional Billiards and Snooker association (WPBSa) said Bingham had admitted to a small amount of betting using two accounts in his own name, but was guilty of ‘greater betting over at least seven years’.
half of the ban has been suspended until next October, but the world no10 will miss the uK Championship at York, which starts next month, and the masters in London in the new Year.
he is not allowed to play again until the end of January, but could return for the german masters in Berlin on January 31. Bingham, who it was said had not disclosed bets made in his manager’s name, must also pay £20,000 in costs.
the WPBSa added there was no suggestion Bingham was ‘doing anything to influence match outcomes or engaged in corrupt activity’.
he has until november 6 to appeal against the decision.
‘it is very disappointing to see such a high-profile player fall foul of the rules,’ said WPBSa chairman Jason Ferguson.
‘Stuart is a great competitor and i have no doubt he has always played to the best of his ability. this case shows that there are no exceptions to the rules.
‘Players must understand that they cannot bet on snooker at all, even if they are not involved in the match or event.
‘any player found in breach of the betting rules will face the most serious consequences.’
in breaking down the offences, the WPBSa said Bingham not only placed bets under his name and that of his manager, but through a third party.