Former world champion Stuart Bingham has been given a six-month suspension for breaching snooker's betting regulations.
The 41-year-old, who won in 2015 at the Crucible, has been found to have placed bets of close to STG36,000 ($A61,000) on matches - some of which he was playing in - over a 12-year period.
The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) said Bingham had admitted to a small amount of betting, using two accounts in his own name, but was guilty of "greater betting over at least seven years".
Half of the ban has been suspended until October next year, but the world No.9 will miss the UK Championships and the Masters as he is not allowed to play again until January 26 next year.
Bingham, who it was said had not disclosed bets made in his manager's name, must also pay STG20,000 ($A34,000) in costs.
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The WPBSA added there was no suggestion Bingham was "doing anything to influence match outcomes or engaged in corrupt activity". He has until November 6 to appeal against the decision.
"It is very disappointing to see such a high-profile player fall foul of the WPBSA betting rules," chairman Jason Ferguson said in a statement.
"Stuart is a great competitor and I have no doubt he has always played to the best of his ability. This case shows that there are no exceptions to the rules. Players must understand that they cannot bet on snooker at all, even if they are not involved in a match or event.
"Any player found to breach the betting rules will face the most serious of consequences."
In breaking down Bingham's offences, the WPBSA said he placed bets in accounts under his name and his manager's, while he also put on bets under a third party.
