Calls to confidential intelligence line double

Press release

Date: 3 June 2011

Calls to the Gambling Commission’s (the Commission's) confidential intelligence line (0121 230 6655)  have almost doubled in the last six months - we received 222 calls between December and May 2011,  almost doubling the 120 calls received during the first six months of operation.

The confidential intelligence line is designed to allow gamblers, other members of the public, licensed operators and sports people alike to anonymously “tip-off” the authorities on illicit gambling. A significant number of calls have already contributed to ongoing criminal and regulatory investigations.

The largest subject area continues to be illegal gaming machine supply along with a cross-section of other topics including unlicensed betting and calls relating to the Commission’s Sports Betting Intelligence Unit.

The line was formally launched on 19 May 2010 and allows individuals to make anonymous reports to help the Commission tackle both illegal unlicensed gambling and non-compliant licensed gambling. The line is staffed by the Commission’s existing intelligence experts between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday (a message can be left outside of these hours).

The Commission’s Director of Regulation, Nick Tofiluk said:

“Calls to the confidential intelligence line are on the increase.

“Individuals now recognise that every call to the line is assessed and acted upon, so if you know or suspect that illicit gambling is taking place then help keep gambling safe by calling the Commission on 0121 230 6655.”

 

Ends

Notes to editors

The Gambling Commission

  1. 1. The Gambling Commission (the Commission) regulates gambling in the public interest alongside its co-regulators local licensing authorities. 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 and local licensing authorities are 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. The line is for intelligence purposes and consumer complaints about gambling issues should be made directly to licensed gambling operators in the first instance.  

Further information

  1. Further information is available from the Commission's website. Gambling Commission: John Travers on (0121) 230 6700 or communications@gamblingcommission.gov.uk.