UK Gambling Commission shuts down Illegal gambling dens in Doncaster
Two suspected illegal gambling dens in Doncaster city centre have been shut down following coordinated raids that resulted in eight arrests, the seizure of nearly £9,000 in cash and the discovery of poker tables, slot machines and gambling records.
The joint enforcement operation, known as Operation Snaresbrook, brought together the UK Gambling Commission, Immigration Enforcement, South Yorkshire Police and City of Doncaster Council’s trading standards and licensing teams in a targeted crackdown on unlicensed gambling.
Authorities confirmed one person was arrested for offences under the Gambling Act 2005, while a further seven people were detained for alleged immigration offences.
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Officers also seized just under £9,000 in cash during searches of the two premises, alongside poker tables, gaming machines and account books that investigators believe could provide evidence of illegal gambling activity.
The operation forms part of wider efforts to tackle organised criminal activity linked to unlicensed gambling venues.
City of Doncaster Council Cabinet Member for Regulation and Enforcement, Planning and Safer Communities, Councillor Gemma Cobby, said illegal gambling dens often have links to organised crime and financial crime.
“Illicit gambling dens are often linked to organised crime gangs and can be used to launder money. Their fraudulent practices also undermine trust in legitimate businesses that are licensed and regulated,” Cobby said.
“Illegal gambling has no place in our city. Members of the public can help by making us aware of any concerns they may have about the practices of local businesses.”
South Yorkshire Police’s Doncaster Central Neighbourhood Policing Team Inspector Lisa Bird said illegal gambling frequently overlaps with more serious offences.
“Illegal gambling is often linked to other criminality, including organised crime, money laundering and human trafficking, all of which threatens the safety and security of our city centre,” Bird said.
“We will continue to gather intelligence on those suspected of having links to illegal gambling and will work closely with partners to tackle the issue and target those involved in this criminality.”
Immigration Enforcement Assistant Director for Yorkshire Tim Gallacher said the arrests demonstrated the benefits of agencies working together.
“This was a successful operation for Immigration Enforcement, with officers showing the utmost professionalism throughout. It shows the close relationship we have with law enforcement and other partners to crack down on this illegal activity,” Gallacher said.
“Immigration offenders who are gambling every day by being here illegally can be in no doubt that they will be tracked down and removed at the earliest opportunity.”
The Gambling Commission said disrupting illegal gambling remains a key enforcement priority.
Executive Director of Operations Sue Young said the regulator would continue working with police and local authorities to target unlawful operators.
“We are constantly looking for opportunities to work with police and other agencies to crack down on all forms of illegal gambling,” Young said.
Illegal gambling has become an increasing focus for UK regulators, who argue unlicensed venues not only evade consumer protection rules but can also facilitate money laundering, organised crime and the exploitation of vulnerable people.
