Two arrested in alleged illegal casino operation in Bristol

Two individuals have been arrested and subsequently released on bail following a coordinated police operation targeting an alleged illegal casino in Bristol. 

The operation involved officers from the Harbourside Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Gambling Commission and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU).

On 10 July, authorities executed a search warrant at premises located on Lower College Street. A 36-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman were taken into custody on suspicion of gambling offences. 

Both individuals have since been released on bail while enquiries remain ongoing.

Sergeant Michael Friis of the Harbourside Neighbourhood Policing Team emphasised the role of community vigilance in such investigations. 

“Community intelligence plays a vital role in tackling criminal activity and keeping our neighbourhoods safe,” he stated. 

“We encourage anyone who has concerns about suspicious or illegal activity in their area to continue reporting it to the police.”

A commission crackdown

This comes a month after a similar raid on an alleged unlicensed gambling venue in Manchester. In that case a 33‑year‑old man and a 66‑year‑old woman were detained following a coordinated operation that included representatives from the Gambling Commission.

“Tackling all forms of illegal gambling is a focus for the Commission” said Sue Young, Gambling Commission executive director of operations, in a statement at the time.  

The Commission promised to intensify enforcement against illegal land-based gambling activities at Bingo Association’s annual general meeting in May of this year. 

Acting Chief Executive, Sarah Gardner, highlighted new government funding of £26 million allocated to the Commission over the next three years to enhance efforts to tackle illegal gambling, especially in land-based venues. 

A parliamentary move

Last month two defendants in an election betting scandal, investigated by the Gambling Commission and Met Police in 2024 pleaded guilty to offences of cheating. 

Craig Williams, former parliamentary private secretary to the then-prime minister, Rishi Sunak, pleaded guilty alongside Amy Hind, the wife of the Conservative deputy digital director Anthony Hind. 

In May 2024, the two placed bets on the exact timing of the general election, right before Sunak announced a July date.