UK Gambling Commission Charges 15 in Election Betting Scandal

_{The entrance to Westminster Magistrates Court, where 15 individuals have been charged by the UK Gambling Commission over alleged betting fraud. (Image: Jansos / Alamy)}

In a significant crackdown on betting-related crime, the Gambling Commission has announced that it has charged 15 individuals with various offences under the Gambling Act of 2005 — in what could rival a high-stakes casino scandal.

The charges follow an extensive investigation into alleged cheating associated with bets placed on the timing of the upcoming 2024 general election, with the investigation having been launched in June 2024. 

Improper Use of Confidential Information to Bet on Outcome of General Election

The allegations centre on the improper use of confidential information, specifically advanced knowledge of the proposed election date, which gave the accused an unfair advantage in betting markets. The actions have been classed as serious violations of Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, i.e., criminal offences of cheating.  

A UK MP who allegedly had inside information as one of Rishi Sunak’s aides was also investigated in the run-up to the general election but denied any wrongdoing in relation to a bet he placed on the date of a general election. 

Conservative candidate Craig Williams was alleged to have placed a £100 bet on a July election, something he has subsequently said was “a huge error of judgement.”  

The individuals charged are as follows:

• Simon Chatfield, 51, from Lower Bourne, Farnham  
• Russell George, 50, from Newtown, Wales 
• Amy Hind, 34, from Loughton, Essex 
• Anthony Hind, 36, from Loughton, Essex 
• Jeremy Hunt, 55, from Horne, Horley, RH6 (Former Police Officer) 
• Thomas James, 38, from Brecon, Wales 
• Charlotte Lang, 36, from Brixton 
• Anthony Lee, 47, from Bristol 
• Iain Makepeace, 47, from Newcastle Upon Tyne 
• Nick Mason, 51, from Milton on Stour, Gillingham 
• Paul Place, 53, from Hammersmith, London 
• Laura Saunders, 37, from Bristol 
• James Ward, 40, from London 
• Alun Craig Williams, 39, from Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool (Former MP) 
• Jacob Willmer, 39, from Richmond, London  

These individuals are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates Court at 10 am on Friday, June 13, 2025.  

Gambling Commission Dedicated to Combating Illegal betting Practices 

The Gambling Commission operates as the independent regulator of gambling in Great Britain with the aim of upholding high standards among licensed operators and combating illegal betting practices. 

Under Sections 27 and 28 of the Gambling Act, the Commission possesses the authority to investigate offences and pursue criminal prosecutions where necessary. 

The agency has reiterated its commitment to thoroughly investigating such breaches and taking decisive action against illicit betting activities. 

The Gambling Commission has stated that it cannot provide further details on ongoing criminal cases and that as the date of the court appearance approaches, it will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates within the confines of legal limitations.