UKGC Targets Illegal Gambling In Latest Manchester Raid

The UK Gambling Commission has reaffirmed its focus on cracking down on illegal gambling by joining forces with Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council Licensing officers.

On the 28th May, Manchester Police conducted a raid on a suspected underground gambling premises in Manchester city centre, arresting two people. The joint operation took place on Chester Road following reports of unlicensed gambling activity. The officers in attendance seized gambling material including: gambling tables, poker chips, cash and account books, as well as alcohol and mobile phones.

A 33-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of offences under the Gambling Act 2005 and Licensing Act 2003. At present, both remain in custody for questioning.

Why This Raid is so Important

Police raids on illegal casinos are certainly uncommon in the UK. Yet, this operation serves as an indication that regulators are placing greater focus on underground gambling activity and the wider criminal concerns often associated with it.

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that specialist Financial Crime Unit and Money Laundering teams are now supporting the ongoing investigation. Speaking on the wider problem, PC Nial Vivian said illegal gambling operations can create a range of issues beyond unlicensed betting itself:

‘Illegal gambling can cause many issues – from disputes about cash to money laundering – and it is important that we shut them down whenever we come across them.’

Why the UKGC are Cracking Down Hard on Illegal Gambling Operations

The Gambling Commission has increasingly highlighted illegal gambling as a growing enforcement priority over the past year. While already devoting resources and man-power to enforcement, the UKGC revealed increased funding over the next three years to help them up the fight against illegal gambling even more.

Last year alone, the UKGC removed 356 illegal lotteries, alongside issuing 741 cease-and-desist actions and completing more than 1,100 website disruptions linked to unlawful gambling activity.

Much of the discussion around black market gambling has centred on offshore betting websites operating without UK licences, which certainly is a more common problem. However, physical illegal gambling premises continue to present a separate challenge for enforcement teams. A challenge made even more pertinent when linked to unlicensed alcohol sales or suspected financial crime activity.

Sue Young, the Gambling Commission’s Executive Director of Operations, said the regulator was keen to support the operation alongside local authorities and police:

‘Tackling all forms of illegal gambling is a focus for the Commission so we were keen to work in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council on this operation.’

This raid reflects an increasingly multi-agency approach to enforcement. By working with councils, police, licensing officers, and financial crime specialists, regulators like the UKGC are often able to achieve more effective enforcement action.