Two individuals have been arrested and later released on bail after a police operation targeted an alleged illegal casino in Bristol. The operation was conducted by the Harbourside Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Gambling Commission, and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).
On July 10, officers executed a search warrant 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 have been released pending further investigation.
Sergeant Michael Friis from the Harbourside Neighbourhood Policing Team highlighted the crucial role community input plays in these cases, stating, “Community intelligence plays a vital role in tackling criminal activity and keeping our neighbourhoods safe.” He urged residents to report any suspicious or illegal activities.
This arrest follows a similar operation in Manchester, where a raid on an unlicensed gambling venue resulted in the arrest of a 33-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman. This operation also involved the Gambling Commission and underscored their focus on illegal gambling. Sue Young, the Gambling Commission's executive director of operations, remarked, “Tackling all forms of illegal gambling is a focus for the Commission.”
In May of this year, the Commission pledged to enhance enforcement against illegal land-based gambling as part of their initiatives announced at the Bingo Association’s annual general meeting. Acting Chief Executive Sarah Gardner noted that the government allocated £26 million to bolster these efforts over the next three years.
Additionally, in a related issue, two individuals implicated in an election betting scandal investigated by the Gambling Commission and Metropolitan Police in 2024 pleaded guilty to cheating. Craig Williams, who previously served as a parliamentary private secretary to Rishi Sunak, and Amy Hind, the spouse of the Conservative deputy digital director, admitted to placing bets on the timing of the general election prior to Sunak's announcement of a July date.
