Suspected illegal gaming machines seized in Warrington

Press release

Date: 13 October 2008

A multi-agency operation involving officers from the Gambling Commission, Cheshire Police, Warrington Borough Council and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has launched a joint operation in the Warrington area to find and remove gaming machines believed to be illegally sited in takeaway-style premises.

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. 

As a result of information and consultation with the local authority and local Gambling Commission compliance manager, several premises in the Warrington area were targeted. The operation has so far resulted in the seizure of 12 gaming machines from eight premises 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.

Commenting on the case, the Commission’s Director of Operations, Nick Tofiluk, said:

“The Gambling Commission’s objectives include ensuring gambling is kept crime-free, fair and safe for all. We can best achieve this through co-operation and multi-agency working and this case is an example of that in action.”

Inspector Richard Reeves, of Warrington Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Unit, said:

“The town has many licensed premises that offer late night refreshments, the sale of alcohol and gaming machines.  The majority are committed to working with the relevant authorities to provide the public with a high level of service but it seems that there are a minority who seem to have little or no regard for the laws that govern them.

"We hope the action taken in Warrington town centre on Friday night shows that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated by any of the organisations involved in the licensing and legal operating of gaming machines.  People who make money from unlicensed machines and unpaid revenue are committing criminal and civil offences.  This was a really successful partnership operation that involved a number of agencies.  We will all continue to work closely together to identify any other premises suspected of breaching licensing rules and regulations.”

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said:

“This sends out a clear message that any kind of illegal gambling will not be tolerated and we will join forces to stamp it out. Illegal gaming is just one of the topics we seek to offer advice and support about to a wide range of premises with a view to making sure that they are aware of their responsibilities and do not fall foul of the law.”

A spokesman for HMRC added:

“The operators of these unlicensed gaming machines face assessment for unpaid Amusement Machine Licence Duty plus penalties.  In addition to the machines being confiscated any cash found in them is similarly forfeited. We want to encourage business owners to find out the correct procedures for operating gaming machines legally and thus avoid these sanctions.”

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 gambling 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.  This investigation 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.
  4. 4.  Information on the Commission’s nationwide drive against the illegal supply of gaming machines can be found on our website.

Further information

Further information is available from the Commission’s website.

Telephone John Travers on 0121 230 6700 or 07852 124624 or email communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk