Gambling Commission highlights enforcement action, industry data and regulatory updates

The Gambling Commission has published its latest fortnightly e-bulletin, outlining a series of enforcement actions, regulatory developments and research initiatives affecting the gambling sector.

Among the headline announcements are illegal gambling raids in Manchester that resulted in four arrests and the seizure of more than £20,000, the suspension of an operator licence, the publication of new industry statistics, and reminders about upcoming regulatory changes for online operators.

Four arrests and £20,000 seized in illegal gambling raids

The Gambling Commission, alongside Manchester City Council’s Licensing Team, supported Greater Manchester Police during raids on four properties in Manchester city centre as part of an investigation into suspected illegal gambling activity.

Four individuals were arrested during the operation. Officers also seized mobile phones, gambling tables, records, account books and other gambling-related materials. More than £20,000 in cash was recovered using powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act.

The Commission said the operation demonstrates ongoing efforts to tackle unlicensed gambling and disrupt illegal gambling networks.

Operator licence suspended

The Gambling Commission has suspended the combined remote operating licence held by Targetlocal Ltd, which trades as Ken Howell’s Sports Betting and operates the website kenhowells.com.

No further details were provided in the newsletter regarding the reasons for the suspension, although the action means the operator’s licence is no longer active while the matter is investigated.

New industry statistics published

The Commission has released its latest Industry Statistics annual report covering the period from April 2025 to March 2026.

Alongside the annual report, the regulator has also published fourth-quarter industry statistics covering January to March 2026, as well as the latest Gambling Survey for Great Britain (GSGB) participation data.

The publications provide updated information on gambling participation, industry performance and sector trends, with the Commission highlighting several key findings in an accompanying blog and additional premises-based data.

Casino operators reminded of regulatory requirements

The Commission has issued a reminder to casino operators and licensing authorities following legislative changes introduced by the Government in 2025 to modernise land-based casino regulation in England and Wales.

According to the regulator, enquiries received since the changes came into force have revealed misunderstandings in several areas, including:

• The definition and calculation of non-gambling areas within casino premises.
• Restrictions affecting 1968 Act casinos with gambling areas below 1,500 square metres as of 12 May 2025.
• Requirements for detailed scale plans when seeking premises licence variations.

Operators granted variations since 22 July 2025 have been urged to review their applications to ensure they remain compliant with both the legal framework and Commission guidance.

New deposit limit requirements take effect

The Commission has reminded operators that the second phase of reforms to gambling-management tools will come into force on 30 September 2026.

Under the updated requirements, all online gambling operators must provide customers with the ability to set a deposit limit based solely on the amount paid into their account during a specified period.

The regulator said the changes are intended to improve clarity for consumers. Operators may continue to offer other forms of limits, such as loss limits, but only the standardised deposit-based tool may be described as a “deposit limit”.

Financial vulnerability check data request planned

Remote casino, betting and bingo operators will be asked to provide information to the Commission in October about their implementation of financial vulnerability checks during the 2025-26 financial year.

The regulator said the exercise will help assess the impact of the policy following the reduction of the spending threshold that triggers such checks. Operators will have three weeks to respond to the request.

Consultation launched on Powerball betting

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has opened a consultation on proposals to prohibit licensed operators from offering third-party bets on Powerball draws.

The consultation is open until 4 November 2026 and seeks views on whether such betting products should continue to be permitted under the Gambling Act 2005 framework.

Research explores informed choice in gambling

The Commission has also highlighted new research examining what “informed choice” means to gambling consumers.

The study explores how consumers understand gambling-related information and what factors influence their decision-making when participating in gambling activities.

Podcast focuses on illegal lotteries

The latest episode of the Gambling Commission’s “Inside the Commission: TLDR” podcast examines illegal lotteries, online raffles and prize giveaways.

The episode discusses warning signs for consumers, common misconceptions surrounding online lotteries, and the circumstances in which such activities may breach gambling laws.