Nederlandse Darts Bond (NDB) responds to match fixing investigation: "Match fixing does not belong in sport"

On Tuesday, research by NOS showed that at least six prominent Dutch darts players have been approached in the past year to influence darts masters.

The Nederlandse Darts Bond (NDB) reacted to this shock news in a statement released today (Tuesday).

"What we see and hear is of course extremely serious," said Paul Engelbertink, director of the NDB. “We are concerned about this because the safety of the darts players and fair sport is our top priority. Matches should never be decided or influenced by the betting market, the battle should be fought on the dartboard.

"Prevention and information about match fixing is crucial, which is why the NDB has been actively engaged in providing information about this subject to our darts players for years. This is done with information material at tournaments, prevention films, but also with presentations at meetings of players from the various national darts teams."

"The message is of course: Stay away from that and report it if you are approached. It can kill your entire career."

"Also players who are active on the Pro Tour at the PDC are already required to complete an education program on match-fixing. The tournaments they attend can be used to bet on matches and players can therefore be influenced. 

"It is precisely players who are at the bottom of the world ranking on the PDC Tour and who have not yet earned a lot of money are interesting players to approach for fixers."

In addition to the current prevention measures, the NDB wants to intensify information because of the opening up of the gambling market in the Netherlands.

"The NDB wants to do everything in our power to demand as much attention as possible and to explain match fixing. This to give this form of crime no chance.

"Organized crime in sport naturally requires an organized approach. That is why the NDB is happy with the help and support of NOC * NSF, the government, the police and the judiciary. Match fixing does not belong in sport," the association concludes.