Unlicensed operator appears in court
13 October 2015
A man who set up as an on-course bookmaker without a Gambling Commission licence has appeared before magistrates.
Thomas Griffiths, of Spennymoor, Durham, admitted offering unlicensed gambling facilities at Wheatley Hill Greyhound Stadium on 6 March and 17 April.
Consett Magistrates ordered Griffiths to pay a £500 fine as well as £300 in costs and a £25 victim surcharge.
The Commission worked with Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary to bring forward Griffith’s prosecution.
Nick Tofiluk, Director of Regulation at the Commission, said: “This is a good example of the Commission, Durham County Council and Durham Constabulary working together to stop unlicensed gambling.
“Unlicensed gambling is a serious threat to the public in that there is no assurance that it is not associated with other forms of criminality, that it is fair and open, and that children and vulnerable people are not exploited.”
Note to editors
- More information about how we regulate the gambling industry.
- Useful statistics on the gambling industry.
- More information on prevention of money-laundering.
For all media enquiries, please contact the Gambling Commission press office.
Last updated: 1 February 2021
Show updates to this content
No changes to show.