Investigation into illegal betting in Hayes
Press
release
Date: 27 April
2009
A 65 year-old man from Uxbridge has been cautioned following an
investigation into illegal betting in Hayes.
The man was cautioned under section 37 of the Gambling Act 2005,
following an operation which centred on an alcohol licensed
premises in Hayes and involved officers from the Gambling
Commission (the Commission) and the Metropolitan Police.
The Commission has consistently 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 on
such premises.
Commenting on the operation in Hayes, 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 our continued commitment to
work with our partners to keep illegal betting out of licensed
premises."
PS Ian Meens of the Metropolitan Police Service said:
"This arrest should serve as a warning to anyone involved in
illegal gambling in London that this will not be tolerated and we
will take action against you."
Notes to editors
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. 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. 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,
Facilitating betting in pubs and clubs is illegal - February
2008 explaining the
provisions of the Act in relation to betting on licensed premises
can be downloaded from the Gambling Commission's website.
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. The Commission is based in Birmingham and has a nationwide
team of over 50 compliance managers.
Further information
Further information is available from the Commission's website
at: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk/
Gambling Commission: John Travers on (0121) 230 6700 or (07852)
124624
Email communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.