UKGC Files Charges Against 15 for Alleged Election Date Betting Offences

The charges centre on suspicions that a number of individuals used confidential information (namely advance notice of the election date) to place bets on when the UK general election would be held. The Commission confirmed that such behaviour constitutes cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act, a criminal offence.

Craig Williams, former MP for Montgomeryshire and a former top aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, is among those charged. Williams lost party backing after it was reported that he placed a bet just days before the official election date was announced.

Also facing charges is a former Metropolitan Police officer, alongside other individuals with either current or past links to the Conservative Party. The case marks one of the most significant enforcement actions taken by the UK’s gambling regulator in recent years.

According to the Gambling Commission, its investigation was launched in June 2024 and focused on the use of inside information to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets. The Commission has the power under Sections 27 and 28 of the Gambling Act to investigate and prosecute gambling-related offences.

Others charged include Laura Saunders, a Conservative candidate for Bristol North West; Tony Lee, the former campaigns director for the party; Nick Mason, former chief data officer; and Russell George, a Welsh Conservative Senedd member who has since been suspended pending the legal outcome.

All 15 individuals are scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court at 10am on Friday, 13 June 2025.

In response, a Conservative Party spokesperson stated that all staff members charged in connection with the case have been suspended. “These incidents took place in May last year. Our party is now under new leadership and we are cooperating fully with the Gambling Commission,” the statement read.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of the gambling sector, saying it will continue to take robust action against breaches of the law.

While the Metropolitan Police carried out a parallel investigation, it has since been discontinued. However, concerns remain about public confidence in political processes and the fairness of regulated markets.