Confidential calls continue to be actioned

Press release

Date: 31 May 2012

The Gambling Commission’s (Commission's) confidential intelligence line (0121 230 6655) has again proved its worth according to figures published at the end of a second full year 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 line took 325 calls in its second full year of operation – almost exactly matching last year’s figure. 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. All calls are assessed and can lead to further formal investigation by either the Commission or its partners in local authorities.

The line was formally launched in 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 intelligence team between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday and a message can be left in confidence outside of those hours.

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

“Calls to the confidential intelligence line remain an important source of information for the Commission.

“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.