Seven charged over alleged fraud involving Bet365 introductory offers

Seven people have been charged in connection with an alleged fraud against gambling operator Bet365, centred on the company’s free introductory betting offer for new customers. The case, brought before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court last week, involves defendants from across the UK, including two from Gloucestershire.

Prosecutors allege that the group abused Bet365’s promotional scheme by using personal data, false representations and criminal transfers to obtain free betting credit and move illicit funds to other accounts. All seven defendants – six men and one woman – were listed to appear on 8 August.

Four attended and were committed to Gloucester Crown Court for trial. Two cases were adjourned to 20 August due to prison video‑link failures, with the court noting that the relevant prisons were “unable to facilitate the link”. A warrant was issued for the seventh defendant, who failed to attend without explanation.

The alleged ringleader, Guisseppe Sangiovanni, 35, currently held at Oakwood Prison, is accused of possessing lists of personal details for use in fraud and making false representations to claim free introductory funds between January 2021 and August 2023. He is also charged with transferring criminal proceeds to other accounts.

Stephianne Black, 31, from London, is charged with supplying Primary Account Numbers knowing they may be used fraudulently, and with entering into arrangements to obtain Bet365 introductory funds on behalf of Sangiovanni. She has been bailed to appear at Gloucester Crown Court on 17 September.

Julian Mackie, 32, of Oxfordshire, faces fraud charges relating to the free‑money offer and alleged transfers of criminal proceeds. His case was also adjourned due to video‑link issues.

Patrick White, 31, of Oxford, is accused of making false representations to obtain free betting credit and transferring criminal property. He has been bailed ahead of next month’s Crown Court hearing.

Adon Bridgman‑Simon, 33, of Croydon, is charged with fraud and transferring criminal property. He did not attend court, and a warrant without bail was issued.

Two Gloucestershire defendants – Benjamin Leach, 32, of Hardwicke, and Simeon Redway, 35, of Cheltenham – were both bailed. Leach faces fraud and money‑transfer charges, while Redway is accused of transferring criminal funds between December 2021 and August 2022.

All defendants are due to appear before Gloucester Crown Court as proceedings continue.