Gaming machines seized in Wigan area

Press release

Date: 25 September 2008

The Gambling Commission, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and Wigan Council have launched a joint operation in the Wigan area to find and remove gaming machines illegally sited in taxi offices and takeaway-style premises.

The operation has so far resulted in the seizure of nine gaming machines from four local taxi offices and enquiries are continuing.

The machines were confiscated by HMRC who are also continuing their enquiries into the non-payment of Amusement Machine Licence Duty (AMLD) on the relevant machines.

Claire Wilson, the Gambling Commission’s Compliance Manager covering the Wigan area, said:  

“The Gambling Commission’s objective is to ensure that gambling is crime-free, fair and safe for all. We can best achieve this with co-operation and multi-agency working and this initiative is an example of that in action.”

Councillor John Hilton, Chairman of Wigan Council's Licensing Committee said:

“We value working in partnership with other agencies in tackling illegal activities and were pleased to work with the Gambling Commission and HMRC on this operation.” 

HMRC spokesman Dave Gostelow added:

“Officers from HMRC joined this operation to target the illegal use of gaming machines.

“We estimate that the unpaid VAT duty on these machines which now forms part of the penalties for the businesses involved and cash seized will equate to more than £3,000. We want to encourage business owners to find out the right process before setting up gaming machines before they too face penalties.”  

Manufacturers and suppliers of gaming machines must be licensed with the Commission. When gaming machines are made available for use on specific premises then operators must have either; an operating licence from the Commission and a premises licence from their local licensing authority or, in some cases, a specific permit from their local licensing authority. 

The Gambling Commission has recently launched a nationwide drive targeting illegal suppliers of gaming machines. If you have any doubt as to whether your gaming machine is legal or you have been offered gaming machines for your premises that seem suspicious please contact the Commission on (0121) 230 6666.

Notes to editors

The Gambling Commission

  1. 1. The Gambling Commission (the Commission) regulates gambling in the public interest. It does so by keeping crime out of gambling, by ensuring that gambling is conducted fairly and openly, and by protecting children and vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling. The Commission also provides independent advice to government on gambling in Britain.
  2. 2. The Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating all gambling in Great Britain other than the National Lottery and spread betting, which are the responsibility of the National Lottery Commission and the Financial Services Authority (FSA) respectively.
  3. 3. Full details of licence requirements.
  4. 4. This investigation concerns the supply of illegal gaming machines and is part of a wider programme of compliance and enforcement activity. The Commission is based in Birmingham and has a nationwide team of over 50 compliance managers.
  5. 5. More information on the Commission’s nationwide drive against the illegal supply of gaming machines can be found on this website.

Further information

Further information is available from the Commission’s website. 

Gambling Commission: John Travers on (0121) 230 6700, (07852) 124624 or communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk

Wigan Council Press Office: (01942) 828145.

HM Revenue & Customs NW Press Office:  (0151) 703 1309