South Yorkshire Police seized more than £110,000 in cash and a large quantity of gold during raids on illegal betting premises in Sheffield and Doncaster. The operations took place on 4 and 5 August under the code names Duxford and Snaresbrook, targeting unlicensed gambling and associated crime.
The raids involved police, the Gambling Commission, regional organised crime units, local authorities and immigration enforcement. Officers seized 16 illegal terminals, gold bars, coins and jewellery. Three people were arrested on charges including operating unlicensed gambling, possession of a bladed weapon and immigration offences.
Inspector Amy Mellor called the operation a model of inter-agency cooperation. She said the fight against illegal gambling would continue, as such activity funds organised crime. Sue Young, executive director of operations at the Gambling Commission, added that unlicensed operators are linked to criminality, exploit vulnerable people and undermine legitimate business.
This is the second Gambling Commission raid in recent weeks. Two people were arrested in Bristol for running an illegal casino, following an earlier operation in Manchester in early June. In late July the commission raised the money-laundering risk rating for gambling software from low to medium, citing the cross-border nature of supply and the risk that licensed software is resold to unlicensed operators. Peer-to-peer products including poker and betting exchanges were also moved to higher risk.
