Pubs warned they risk losing licence over betting facilities

According to the Gambling Commission, individuals who engage in the facilitation of illegal betting also risk up to 51 weeks imprisonment (six months in Scotland) and/or up to a £5,000 fine.

The warning comes after staff in the unnamed Welsh pubs were found accepting bets from customers and phoning them through to Celtic Racing (Credit Betting) Limited, which has received an £8,000 financial penalty.

Director of regulatory operations Nick Tofiluk said the Commission works consistently with licensing authorities and the police to warn publicans that commercial betting is not allowed in pubs and clubs.

“In most cases publicans put a stop to it when the law is drawn to their attention,” he said. “But there have been a handful of cases, like this one, where the problem persists and action is necessary.”

Earlier this month three men were fined by magistrates in Worcester after the Gambling Commission and Worcestershire Regulatory Services supported a West Mercia Police investigation into illegal gambling at a pub in Tenbury Wells.

■ Anyone with information about betting in pubs can call the Gambling Commission in confidence on 0121 230 6655.