More machines moved out in joint operation

Press release

Date: 2 July 2009

A further 13 gaming machines have been seized as a result of a recent multi-agency operation involving the Gambling Commission (the Commission) and its partners.

The gaming machines were seized when officers from the Metropolitan Police’s Clubs & Vice Unit, worked with HM Revenue and Customs and the Commission to target cafe-style premises in Green Lanes, Hackney.

Until 31 July cafe-style premises with a Section 34 permit from their local authority are permitted to house Category D gaming machines. The machines which are alleged to be illegally sited were seized from two premises where they were apparently sited without gaming permits. The machines had stakes and prizes well in excess of the statutory limit.

The Commission’s Compliance Manager for the area, Clive Noblett, said:  

“This successful operation emphasises the value of working in partnership as we continue to support local agencies in tackling illegal gambling.

“We are following up the intelligence gathered about the suppliers of these machines.”

DI John Anderson, of the Metropolitan Police's Clubs and Vice Unit, said:

"This was a successful joint operation resulting in 13 illegally operated machines being taken away. 

“Operations like this are important in helping to reinforce the message that businesses should ensure they are properly licensed under the Gambling Act before operating gaming machines.  They also help the police in identifying and targeting those who illegally supply them."

Last September the Commission 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. 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. 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. Full details of licence requirements can be found at: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
  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. Information on the Commission’s nationwide drive against the illegal supply of gaming machines can be found at: http://www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk  
  6. Category D Gaming Machines (other than crane grabs, coin pushers or penny falls) with a 10p stake are currently entitled to offer prizes of up to £5 in cash, or up to £5 in cash and £3 in non-monetary prizes. Category D machines with a 30p stake can offer £8 in non-monetary prizes only.

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, (07852) 124624 or communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk