Two detained in Bristol raid on suspected illegal casino

Authorities in Bristol have arrested two individuals following a coordinated crackdown on an alleged unlicensed gambling operation. The suspects—a 36-year-old man and a 40-year-old woman—were taken into custody on 10 July after officers executed a search warrant at premises on Lower College Street. Both have been released on bail while the investigation continues.

The operation was a joint effort involving the Harbourside Neighbourhood Policing Team, the Gambling Commission, and the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU). Sergeant Michael Friis of the neighbourhood team underscored the importance of public tip-offs, stating: “Community intelligence plays a vital role in tackling criminal activity and keeping our neighbourhoods safe.”

The Gambling Commission has been ramping up enforcement against illegal land-based gambling, backed by £26 million in new government funding allocated in May of this year for the next three years. Speaking at the Bingo Association’s annual general meeting, acting chief executive Sarah Gardner highlighted that the money would strengthen efforts to combat illicit venues.

The Bristol raid follows a similar action in Manchester last month, where a 33-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of running an unlicensed gambling club. At the time, Gambling Commission executive director of operations Sue Young said the agency is focused on “tackling all forms of illegal gambling.”

Separately, the Commission and the Metropolitan Police have been dealing with a high-profile election betting scandal. In May 2024, Craig Williams, then-private secretary to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, and Amy Hind, wife of Conservative deputy digital director Anthony Hind, placed bets on the exact date of the July general election. Both pleaded guilty to cheating offences last month.