STUART Bingham has been banned from snooker for six months after breaching betting rules.

Bingham admitted to breaking World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) rules on betting on matches involving other players.

The Bowers Gifford potter has also been ordered to pay £20,000 in costs. Half of Bingham's ban will be suspended.

The WPBSA said there was no suggestion that the former world snooker champion aimed to "influence matches or engage in any corrupt activity".

The 41-year-old, who won at the Crucible in 2015, has been found to have placed bets of close to £36,000 on matches - some of which he was playing in - over a period of 12 years.

The WPBSA said Bingham had admitted to a small amount of betting using two accounts in his own name, but was actually guilty of "greater betting over at least seven years".

Half of the ban has been suspended until October next year, but the world number nine will miss the UK Championships and the Masters as he is not allowed to play again until January 26, 2018.

Bingham 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 of 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 the name of his manager, while he also placed bets under a third party.