UKGC charges 15 with General Election betting offenses

The UKGC has launched an investigation of its own to look into electoral betting, which could be deemed a criminal offenseA list of 15 people has been put forward by the regulator, which is carrying the investigation independently of a now-concluded police probeThe people who were first implicated in the scandal will still have to answer for their actions in June

The United Kingdom Gambling Commission (UKGC) has moved to formally charge 15 individuals which it believes have committed betting offenses under the Gambling Act 2005 tied to the 2024 General Election during which a number of high and low-ranking members of the Conservative Party, were found out to have bet against themselves and/or the party winning the election.

Tories again in trouble over betting scandal

The scandal involved the then Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, and his bodyguards, as well as other Tory insiders. Now, the UKGC has released a list of all people who will face further prosecution under Section 42 of the law, which is treated as a criminal offense.

Simon Chatfield, 51, (DOB: 19/03/1974), Lower Bourne, Farnham, GU10Russell George, 50, (DOB: 27/04/1974), Newtown, Wales, SY16Amy Hind, 34, (DOB: 13/07/1990), Loughton, Essex, IG10Anthony Hind, 36, (DOB: 12/09/1988), Loughton, Essex, IG10Jeremy Hunt, 55, (DOB: 08/04/1970), Horne, Horley, RH6, (former Police Officer)Thomas James, 38, (DOB: 15/09/1986), Brecon, Wales, LD3Charlotte Lang, 36, (DOB: 15/02/1989), Brixton, SW9Anthony Lee, 47, (DOB: 24/04/1977), Bristol, BS1Iain Makepeace, 47, (DOB: 15/08/1977), Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE16Nick Mason, 51, (DOB: 03/10/1973), Milton on Stour, Gillingham, SP8Paul Place, 53, (DOB: 11/05/1971), Hammersmith, London, W6Laura Saunders, 37, (DOB: 23/02/1988), Bristol, BS1James Ward, 40, (DOB: 12/08/1984), London, E11Craig Williams, 39, (DOB: 07/06/1985), Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, SY21Jacob Willmer, 39, (DOB: 06/07/1985), Richmond, London, TW9

All individuals on the list have been summoned to appear in front of Westminster Magistrates Court at 10 am on Friday, June 13, 2025.

The UKGC investigation comes as an independent probe into the aforementioned people’s behavior during the election and the use of potential inside information – such as that the former Prime Minister was preparing to call a General Election without so much as notifying his fellow party members.

The UKGC has launched a separate probe from the one that was conducted by the Metropolitan Police, and which was discontinued in the end. However, the Gambling Act 2005’s Sections 27 and 28 allow the regulator to pursue further action against the suspects.

High-ranking former party members not out of the woods

The scandal began with Craig Williams, a prominent Tory, who was found out to have gambled on the date of the election, which raised eyebrows, especially when the information was not publicly disclosed. In fairness, however, the Prime Minister at the time was expected to call a date, as he was obligated to.

Just like before, Williams is also on the list of people who will have to appear in court and argue their case. Other prominent former Tory figureheads have also been summoned, including Simon Chatfield, the ex-Chief Marketing Officer at the party.

As to what comes next, the UKGC has been coy and refrained from commenting other than to say, "The Commission is committed to upholding the law and will continue to take robust action against illegal betting practices, including investigating and prosecuting offences. The Gambling Commission cannot provide further details on ongoing criminal cases."

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