In a revelation that has sent shockwaves through the professional darts circuit, former Lakeside World Champion and current PDC star Stephen Bunting has exposed a sophisticated cheating method involving magnetic manipulation of the dartboard.
In an exclusive interview with Sky Sports, Bunting detailed how unscrupulous players use a setup that is incredibly difficult for referees to detect. “A magnet is planted symmetrically on the board before the game,” Bunting explained, describing a system that often goes unnoticed because of its precise placement relative to the board’s wire frame.
The method relies on the hidden magnets affecting the trajectory of a tungsten dart, typically pulling it toward a higher-scoring area or preventing a bounce-out at a crucial moment.
“The way they place it is key,” Bunting stated. “It has to be symmetrical, usually placed at the exact center point behind the bullseye or strategically aligned with the spider [the wire mesh]. If it’s off-center, you can see the darts leaning, but when it’s right, the darts just seem to stick.”
How the “Symmetrical Magnet” Scam Works
Sources close to the investigation suggest that the magnetic field is designed to be subtle enough to avoid suspicion while being strong enough to influence the dart’s flight over the final few inches.
Bunting, known as “The Bullet” for his rapid throwing style, emphasized that while modern tungsten darts have a very low ferrous content, slight alterations to the board’s metal backing or the use of steel-tip darts with higher iron content can make the cheat viable.
“You have to know the board is prepared,” Bunting warned. “If you throw a dart and it seems to hover or glide into a spot it shouldn’t, you have to question the setup. It’s dangerous for the integrity of the sport.”
DRA Investigations Underway
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) have reportedly been made aware of Bunting’s claims. While they have not confirmed specific recent cases, they released a statement acknowledging ongoing vigilance regarding equipment tampering.
“We take any allegations of cheating extremely seriously,” a DRA spokesperson noted. “The integrity of the game is paramount. We are investigating all avenues regarding the manipulation of playing surfaces, including the use of electromagnetic devices.”