Former world champion Bingham banned for breaching betting rules

Current world snooker number 10 Stuart Bingham, has been found guilty of breaching World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) rules on betting, and has subsequently been banned from the sport for six months.

As part of his punishment for betting on matches that involved either himself or other players, the former world champion has also been ordered to pay £20,000 in costs.

Bingham, who was described by the WPBSA as a truthful witness, accepted that his betting was in breach of the rules and is now seeking professional help regarding gambling, something that the WPBSA stated was ‘relevant and to his credit’.

A statement from the WPBSA said: “Mr Bingham’s actions were taken with knowledge that he was in breach of the rules. His actions put the integrity of the sport into question. On any view this is very serious. It merits suspension.

“However, we consider that the mitigation in this case is sufficient to reduce the longer period of suspension suggested by the Board. Furthermore, we consider that part of the suspension should be suspended provided certain conditions are satisfied.”

Detailing the suspension that Bingham will serve the WPBSA added: “In the circumstances we impose a suspension of six months effective from 28th October 2017. Of this period three months and one day are themselves suspended until 31 October 2018 subject to Mr Bingham confirming that he will comply with any course of medical treatment recommended to him regarding his gambling and will commit no further rule breaches. Mr Bingham is under an obligation to co-operate with the Board to ensure that these conditions are being met.

“This means that Mr Bingham will serve an immediate suspension from 28 October 2017 until 26 January 2018 and the remainder of the six month periods of disqualification (three months and one day) will not be enforced provided he complies with the conditions identified above and provided also he is not found to have committed any similar breaches during the period ending 31 October 2018.”

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