Former World Snooker Champion banned for betting

Professional snooker player Stuart Bingham has been handed a six-month ban after breaching World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) betting rules.

The WPBSA does not permit players to wager on matches involving themselves and after allegations arose relating to Bingham, the organisation carried out an investigation into the matter with the UK Gambling Commission Sports Betting Intelligence Unit.

At a hearing in July, Bingham admitted to a small amount of betting on snooker using two accounts in his own name, as well as to limited betting on snooker via three proxy accounts and also to betting with a third party on high break scores.

However, the WPBSA contested his account and the hearing also found Bingham guilty of much greater betting over a seven-year period, including bets on his own matches using an account in his manager’s name between 2003 and 2015.

The WPBSA has estimated the total amount wagered on snooker at £35,771 (€39900/$47,000), but also noted that when he used proxy accounts, it is not possible establish whether he won or lost from betting.

Bingham, who won snooker’s World Championship in 2015, has been ordered to pay £20,000 in costs, but will have half of his ban suspended.

According to the BBC, WPBSA chairman Jason Ferguson said: “It is very disappointing to see such a high profile player fall foul of the WPBSA betting rules.

“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 a match or event.

“Any player found to breach the betting rules will face the most serious of consequences.”

Bingham is currently ranked tenth in the world.

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