Convictions appealed

Press release

Date: 2 April 2012

On 27 March 2012, three men were found guilty of a total of 42 offences under the Gambling Act 2005 (the Act) relating to the operation of unlicensed adult gaming centres and a betting shop. 

The convictions follow a Gambling Commission investigation into the illegal operation of premises by the defendants through a company called Agora Bet Ltd. The investigation commenced in May 2010 when the Commission seized gaming machine equipment and other assets from ten premises at locations in London, the South East and the South Midlands.

The convictions follow a six day trial at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court. The men have been committed to the Crown Court for sentencing and confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. 

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

“This prosecution sends out a message to those looking to profit from unlicensed gambling operations. Operators must be licensed in order to keep gambling fair and safe and the Commission will pursue individuals who offer unlicensed gambling facilities to the public.”

UPDATE: All three defendants have appealed their convictions and the appeal hearing has been listed to commence on 10 December at Birmingham Crown Court.

FURTHER UPDATE: Two of the three defendants will not be pursuing their appeals against conviction and will be sentenced at Birmingham Crown Court on 14 February 2013.  One appeal is set to continue and is also listed for a mention at Birmingham Crown Court on the same date.

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. See the Terms & Conditions section of our website for information on legal advice.
  4. 4. Details of offences under section 33, 37 and 242 are available online.
  5. 5. Details of the premises involved are available on request.
  6. 6. A previous press release with regard to this investigation is available online.     

Further information

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