Gaming machines seized in Liverpool and Wirral

Press release

Date: 6 March 2009

A multi-agency operation involving the Gambling Commission (the Commission) led to five gaming machines being removed from four premises in Merseyside on Thursday.

The machines were confiscated from two premises in Liverpool and two premises in Wirral by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) who are continuing their enquiries into the non payment of Amusement Machine Licence Duty (AMLD) on the relevant machines.

Acting on intelligence received, the operation involved officers from the Commission, Merseyside Police, Liverpool City Council, Wirral Council and HMRC.  The aim was to find and remove gaming machines believed to be illegally sited in takeaway-style café premises.

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.

Commenting on the operation, the Gambling Commission’s Director of Regulation, 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.

“This operation has also provided further intelligence on the illegal supply of gaming machines and our enquiries are continuing.”

Sergeant John McHale of Merseyside Police said:

“A number of unlawful gaming machines were identified and have been taken out of circulation as a result of this successful multi agency operation supported by Gold Zone Police officers.”

Dave Gostelow from HMRC advised other businesses to take action to avoid possible sanctions:

“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.”

Chair of Liverpool’s Licensing Committee, Councillor Malcolm Kelly, said: “I am pleased that this operation has been successful. It sends out a powerful message to the owners of premises that they must abide by the law on gaming machines.”

Margaret O’Donnell, Licensing Manager at Wirral Council added: “We are always keen to work with and support the Gambling Commission and other partner agencies on operations such as this.”

The Gambling Commission launched a nationwide drive targeting illegal suppliers of gaming machines last year. A total of 21 machines were seized in similar operations in Warrington and Wigan last Autumn.

Owners and operators of takeaway-style café premises in any doubt as to whether they are operating gaming machines legally or who have been offered gaming machines for their premises that seem suspicious should contact their local authority or the Commission on (0121) 230 6666.

Notes to editors

The Gambling Commission

  1. The Gambling Commission regulates gambling in the public interest.
  2. The Commission's objectives are: to prevent gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder or being used to support crime; to ensure that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way; and, to protect children and other vulnerable people from being harmed or exploited by gambling.
  3. The Commission is responsible for licensing and regulating all commercial 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.
  4. Manufacturers and suppliers of gaming machines must be licensed by the Commission. When gaming machines are made available for use on premises, the operators of those premises must either have an operating licence from the Commission and a premises licence from their local licensing authority, or a permit authorising the use of gaming machines.
  5. 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.
  6. Information on the Commission’s nationwide drive against the illegal supply of gaming machines.
  7. For further information please contact John Travers at the Gambling Commission on (0121) 230 6700 or email j.travers@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.