Investigation into illegal betting in Chester

Press release

Date: 23 December 2008

A 46 year-old man from Chester has been cautioned following an investigation into illegal betting in the city.

The man was cautioned under section 33 of the Gambling Act 2005, following a multi-agency operation which centered on an alcohol licensed premises in Chester and involved officers from Cheshire Police, the Gambling Commission and Chester City Council.

In March, the Gambling Commission warned bookmakers, publicans and club officials that commercial betting is not allowed in pubs, clubs or similar licensed premises. In this case the Commission found evidence that facilities for betting were being provided in such premises. The Commission is satisfied that the caution will deter any reoccurrence.

Commenting on the operation in Chester, the Commission’s Director of Regulation, Nick Tofiluk said:

“Anyone providing facilities for commercial gambling in pubs and clubs is breaking the law.

“This joint operation demonstrates the effectiveness of our developing relationships with law enforcement, local authorities and other agencies and we are grateful for the support of Cheshire Police and Chester City Council."

Cllr John Ebo, Chair of the Licensing Board at Chester City Council added: “Increasingly the Chester Licensing Team are working with other agencies in all aspects of licensing enforcement, this instance being one example.  Such partnership working is proving very effective.”

Notes to editors

  1. 1. The Gambling 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. No commercial betting at all, regardless of the level of stakes, is allowed in pubs and clubs. It is not socially responsible and those who facilitate such betting in pubs and clubs – whether publicans, designated premises supervisors or club officials – are providing illegal facilities for gambling and are breaking the law.  A leaflet explaining the provisions of the Act in relation to betting on licensed premises can be downloaded from the Gambling Commission’s website.
  4. 4. Individuals who engage in the facilitation of illegal betting risk up to 51 weeks imprisonment (6 months in Scotland) and/or up to a £5,000 fine.
  5. 5. The Commission is based in Birmingham and has a nationwide team of over 50 compliance managers.
  6. 6. No action was necessary against the premises licence holder in this case who was supportive of the investigation at every stage.

Further information

Further information is available from the Commission’s website.

Contact

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

Chester City Council: Michael McGivern (01244) 402362