Two individuals promoting illegal activity were identified and removed from associated Facebook groups after receiving cease and desist letters.
The Gambling Commission stated that these individuals organized illegal lotteries offering cash prizes, children’s toys, and clothing.
Helen Venn, executive director of the Gambling Commission, emphasized the importance of identifying and stopping those who engage in illegal lottery activities. Working alongside Facebook and the police, key individuals have been identified, disrupting this harmful gambling activity.
Illegal lotteries, including those conducted through social media, are a top priority for the Gambling Commission’s enforcement work. Close collaboration with platforms like Facebook enables the identification of not only the activity itself, but also those responsible for it and those who breach gambling rules and social media standards.
David Gill, coordinator of the Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) at the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, highlighted the fact that the actual winners in these illegal lotteries often turn out to be the organizers themselves. He emphasized the commitment to support the Gambling Commission in targeting and disrupting those profiting from such illegal schemes. The importance of cooperation among enforcement agencies within the GAIN network was also emphasized.
Kevin Benson, GAIN coordinator based at the North East Regional Special Operations Unit, recognized the harm caused by illegal gambling, particularly when unregulated lotteries target vulnerable individuals, including those struggling with addiction. The commitment to collaborating with partners in disrupting illegal lotteries and other gambling platforms was reinforced.
Ms. Venn, who leads the Commission’s licensing, compliance, and enforcement teams, mentioned that many of these illegal lotteries fail to contribute funds to good causes and participants do not receive legal protection.
