Commercial betting in pubs is illegal, licensees warned
6 March, 2008
Regulatory body warns publicans not to let bookmakers use their premises
The Gambling Commission is warning licensees that commercial betting is not allowed in pubs ahead of next week’s horseracing festival at Cheltenham.
The organisation, which regulates gambling in Great Britain, said publicans should be aware it is illegal for bookmakers or their agents to sit in a pub taking bets.
Andrew Lyman, the commission’s director of monitoring and enforcement, said: “The commission is aware there may be some misunderstanding about what is and is not permitted.
“We want to make it clear that commercial betting in pubs and clubs is illegal gambling and anyone providing these facilities is breaking the law.”
A leaflet about betting in pubs and clubs is available on the commission’s website, www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk