Authorities in Bristol have arrested two individuals as part of a police operation targeting an alleged illegal casino. The operation was carried out by the Harbourside Neighbourhood Policing Team in collaboration with the Gambling Commission and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).
On July 10, police executed a search warrant at a location on Lower College Street, leading to the detention of a 36-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman on suspicion of gambling offenses. Both suspects were later released on bail while investigations continue.
Sergeant Michael Friis from the Harbourside Neighbourhood Policing Team highlighted the importance of community involvement in these types of investigations. He stated, "Community intelligence plays a vital role in tackling criminal activity and keeping our neighbourhoods safe. We encourage anyone who has concerns about suspicious or illegal activity in their area to continue reporting it to the police."
This arrest follows a similar crackdown in Manchester where a 33-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were taken into custody for operating an unlicensed gambling venue. This operation was also conducted with the involvement of the Gambling Commission. Sue Young, the Gambling Commission's executive director of operations, remarked at that time, "Tackling all forms of illegal gambling is a focus for the Commission."
In May, during the Bingo Association’s annual general meeting, officials pledged to enhance the enforcement against illegal gambling activities, with Acting Chief Executive Sarah Gardner noting that the government had allocated £26 million to support these efforts over the next three years, emphasizing a focus on land-based venues.
Additionally, a parliamentary development occurred last month when two defendants involved in an election betting scandal pleaded guilty to cheating offenses following an investigation by the Gambling Commission and the Metropolitan Police. Craig Williams, who previously served as parliamentary private secretary to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Amy Hind, wife of Conservative Party deputy digital director Anthony Hind, were charged after they made bets on the timing of the forthcoming general election, just before an official announcement in July.
