Match-fixing is no longer confined to traditional sports like football and cricket, with organised crime groups now targeting chess and darts, a UK parliamentary select committee heard on Thursday. Experts warned that the integrity of these sports is under threat as betting markets expand and oversight remains weak.
Alarming Spread of Corruption
Giving evidence to the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee, representatives from sports integrity bodies said match-fixing has infiltrated niche sports where players often lack the financial safeguards of mainstream athletes. “We’ve seen a significant increase in suspicious betting patterns in chess tournaments and darts matches over the past two years,” said Mary Bennett, head of integrity at the International Sports Integrity Association.
According to data presented to the committee, reports of suspicious activity in chess rose by 40% in 2025 compared to the previous year, while darts saw a 35% increase. Bennett attributed this to the rise of online betting platforms offering markets on minor events with little regulatory scrutiny.
Organised Crime Involvement
The committee was told that organised crime networks are exploiting the low pay and limited resources in these sports. “Chess grandmasters and darts players often earn modest incomes, making them vulnerable to approaches from fixers,” said Detective Chief Inspector Paul Harris of the National Crime Agency. “We’ve identified cases where players were offered thousands of pounds to throw a game or manipulate a specific move.”
Harris highlighted a recent case involving a top-50 chess player who was banned for two years after being caught accepting a bribe to lose a match. The player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been approached via encrypted messaging apps.
Calls for Stronger Regulation
Committee members expressed concern that current regulations are insufficient. Labour MP Sarah Jones said, “It’s clear that the Gambling Act needs updating to cover emerging threats. These sports are not adequately protected, and the public’s trust is at risk.”
The committee heard that unlike football or tennis, chess and darts lack dedicated integrity units and often rely on volunteer officials. “We need a coordinated international response,” said Bennett. “No sport is immune, and we must act before the problem becomes endemic.”
Impact on Players and Fans
For players, the consequences can be devastating. Darts professional Alan “The Arrow” Smith told the committee via video link that he had been approached twice in the past year. “It’s scary. You’re at a tournament, and someone offers you easy money. But it destroys your career and the sport’s reputation. We need more education and support.”
Fans are also losing confidence. A recent survey by the Sports Betting Integrity Group found that 62% of chess fans and 58% of darts fans believe match-fixing is a serious problem in their sport. “If we don’t act, the integrity of these competitions will be irreparably damaged,” said committee chair Julian Knight.
Next Steps
The committee is expected to release a report later this year with recommendations, including mandatory integrity training for players and stronger cooperation between betting regulators and sports bodies. The government has been urged to classify match-fixing as a specific criminal offence with tougher penalties.
“This is a wake-up call,” concluded Bennett. “The threat is real, and it’s spreading. We must protect the soul of sport, no matter how small the arena.”
