An independent Operational Rules Appeals Tribunal has suspended Halifax player Rob Worrincy for nine months after finding him guilty of breaching the sport’s rules relating to betting.
Worrincy appealed against a six-month suspension handed down in March, when the player admitted placing a series of bets, including bets on matches in which he played, between May 2012 and September 2013.
The Appeals Tribunal heard new evidence provided by the Gambling Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit identifying more details of the betting activity, including the device from which the bets were placed.
The activity included 15 bets on matches involving Halifax, 12 of which Worrincy played in. The player was also found to have placed a number of bets against Halifax.
Worrincy denied placing the majority of the bets involving Halifax, including the bets against his own club, despite evidence to the contrary from the Gambling Commission.
Under RFL Operational Rules D1:10(c) players shall not be involved in any manner or capacity whatsoever, whether for his own account or on behalf of any other person, in any betting in respect of any Rugby League match or competition.
Players are also bound by Operational Rule E5 in the Code of Conduct which prevents the placing, accepting, laying or otherwise entering into any wager, bet or other form of financial speculation with any individual, company, organisation or other body in relation to the result, progress, conduct or any other aspect of any match, competition or event.
Worrincy was also deemed to have breached Operational Rule E5.3.1.3.1 which forbids players from using in relation to betting any information they have by virtue of their position within the sport that is not in the public domain or readily accessible by the public.
The suspension applies with immediate effect and runs until December 24, 2014.
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