The darts world was shocked by allegations of match-fixing against Wessel Nijman and Kyle McKinstry on Tuesday.

Nijman has confessed and apologized for committing match-fixing. McKinstry denies this and has indicated that he will appeal his suspension. Both players are said to have been guilty of deliberately losing matches in the online darts competitions A Night at the Darts and Icons of Darts League both ran by MODUS.

In the past, players were sometimes suspected of fixing matches to influence the outcome of bets. But it did not come to a case and a punishment. Last year, two players on the Australian DPA Tour were suspended for three months for fabricating the result of a group match in a tournament. However, this had nothing to do with betting.

The gambling market is an important factor in darts. Most of the PDC sponsors are gambling companies. The integrity of the sport is of paramount importance. The matches in question did not take place during a PDC or BDO tournament. Yet this affects confidence in the sport. Surely players who have a total off-day in the coming weeks will get a rain of allegations of match fixing over them.

Precisely because this is the first known case of match fixing with regard to betting, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) will undoubtedly want to set an example that such a thing will not be tolerated. As long as the investigation is ongoing, Nijman and McKinstry are banned from participating in PDC tournaments and other events sanctioned by the DRA.

Major consequences

Chances are that Nijman and - possibly also - McKinstry will receive a hefty punishment. The Dutchman will likely get off better than the Northern Irishman. Nijman cooperated during the investigation, expressed his regret and showed his desire to re-educate himself on matters of integrity. In addition, Nijman is suspected of match-fixing in one match, against two suspicions for McKinstry. Also the Northern Irishman has cooperated poorly up to now in the investigation.

Nijman has indicated in a statement that he accepts his sentence. Whatever the sentence, the damage already seems considerable. His sponsorship contract with management MODUS Darts, also organiser of the online competition Icons of Darts League, was terminated immediately.

The 20-year-old Dutchman will undoubtedly also notice the consequences of his action on a professional level. Nijman is currently number two on the PDC Development Tour Order of Merit. At the end of the season, this place gives right to participate in the PDC World Darts Championship and a PDC Tour Card for the next two seasons.

Since the two-time Euro Tour participant is faced with a hefty suspension, the chances are very small that he will be able to participate in the final Development Tour events in September. His hopes of a World Championship debut, including a first round prize money of 7500 pounds, seem to be over.

It is hoped for Nijman that the further consequences for him will be limited. However, this case is going to haunt him for a long time. It will also be a mental challenge to regain the trust of future fans and sponsors.