Key points:
- 15 individuals have been charged with cheating under the Gambling Act related to insider betting on the 2024 UK General Election date
- The charges follow an investigation by the Gambling Commission that started in June 2024
- The defendants are to appear in court on 13 June
The Gambling Commission has charged 15 individuals with offences under the Gambling Act 2005 following a criminal investigation into alleged cheating linked to bets placed on the date of the 2024 General Election.
The investigation, which began in June 2024, examined whether confidential information about the election's timing was used to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets.
According to the Commission, the accused individuals are suspected of breaching Section 42 of the Gambling Act, which criminalises cheating in gambling activities.
The charges relate specifically to wagers placed before the surprise 22 May 2024 announcement of the 4 July General Election, raising concerns that insider knowledge may have influenced the bets.
Those charged include several individuals with political and public sector connections, including former MP Craig Williams and ex-police officer Jeremy Hunt.
All 15 are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday 13 June 2025.
Good to know: The Commission has powers under Sections 27 and 28 of the Gambling Act to investigate and prosecute criminal offences related to gambling
This case is separate from an earlier police investigation, which was discontinued in 2024.
The Gambling Commission has declined to comment further, citing the ongoing nature of the criminal proceedings.
Meanwhile, the UK regulator recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Irish Gambling Regulatory Authority to strengthen cooperation on compliance and enforcement – a move reflecting broader regulatory coordination across jurisdictions.
