UK’s Gambling Commission charges 15 over 2024 General Election betting scandal
The United Kingdom’s Gambling Commission has formally charged 15 individuals with offences under the Gambling Act 2005, following an investigation into suspected cheating connected to bets on the timing of the 2024 General Election.
The investigation, launched in June 2024, centered on allegations that certain individuals used confidential information, specifically, advanced knowledge of the proposed election date, to secure an unfair advantage in the betting markets. This kind of conduct is considered cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, and it constitutes a criminal offence.
Among those charged is the former prime minister Rishi Sunak’s closest parliamentary aide. Craig Williams has been under investigation by the Gambling Commission since June, after he admitted to placing a £100 bet on May 19, 2024, predicting that the election would be held in July.
Sunak announced that the general election would take place on 4 July, just three days after Williams, who was also standing as a candidate, placed his £100 bet.
The Gambling Commission has today charged 15 people over alleged cheating related to bets on the 2024 General Election.
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