Key points:
- Up to five individuals are under investigation for insider betting on the 4 July election date
- The Gambling Commission is focusing on potential breaches of the Gambling Act, with police misconduct investigations also ongoing
- The case has high-profile figures as witnesses, but no formal charges have yet been filed
The Gambling Commission is reportedly considering charges against up to five individuals – including a politician – in connection with allegations of insider betting on the 4 July general election date.
The investigation centres on whether confidential information was used to place bets prior to then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s unexpected 22 May announcement of an early election.
The scandal first came to light in June when former MP Craig Williams admitted he was under investigation after placing a £100 ($126) bet on a July election.
Williams, who served as Mr. Sunak's parliamentary private secretary, placed the wager just days before the announcement, potentially yielding a £500 return based on available odds.
The investigation has since expanded, with notable figures such as Mr Sunak's Chief of Staff, Liam Booth-Smith, and former Deputy Prime Minister Sir Oliver Dowden interviewed as witnesses.
The Metropolitan Police initially assessed whether charges of Misconduct in Public Office could apply but concluded in August that the evidence did not meet the required threshold.
However, allegations involving seven police officers who reportedly placed bets remain under investigation by the Met’s Directorate of Professional Standards and the Gambling Commission.
Good to know: The Gambling Commission’s probe focuses on potential breaches of Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, which addresses cheating in gambling
Commenting on the allegations back in August, Andrew Rhodes, CEO of the Gambling Commission, stated: "We have remained focused on our criminal investigation into confidential information being used to gain an unfair advantage when betting on the date of the general election.
"Our investigation continues to progress and we have interviewed several suspects under caution. We are continuing to interview a number of witnesses, who are cooperating with this criminal investigation, as well as gathering further documentary and electronic evidence."
When Gambling Insider reached out to the Commission for further comment, a spokesperson for the Commission stated: “We clearly appreciate the level of public interest there is in this ongoing investigation but to protect the integrity of the investigation and to ensure a fair and just outcome, we are unable to comment further at this time, including the name of any person who may be under suspicion, or the total number of suspects.”
