Eight people were arrested last month as part of Operation Snaresbrook, which saw the Gambling Commission join forces with South Yorkshire Police, the City of Doncaster Council’s trading standards and licensing teams to raid two illegal gambling venues.
A raid on two illegal gambling venues in Doncaster city centre last month led to eight arrests, with one person charged with offences under the Gambling Act and the other seven with offences related to immigration.
The raids were part of Operation Snaresbrook, a joint campaign between South Yorkshire Police, the City of Doncaster Council’s trading standards and licensing teams and the Gambling Commission.
“Illicit gambling dens are often linked to organised crime gangs and can be used to launder money,” said councillor Gemma Coby, cabinet member for Regulation and Enforcement’. “Their fraudulent practices also undermine trust in legitimate businesses that are licensed and regulated. Illegal gambling has no place in our city.”
“Members of the public can help by making us aware of any concerns they may have about the practices of local businesses. We investigate all reports that come through to us so please don’t hesitate to get in touch.”
During the raids, officers seized just under £9,000 in cash, alongside evidence of illegal gambling in the form of poker tables, slot machines, and account books.
“Illegal gambling is a crime and it is vital that all businesses follow the laws put in place,” said inspector Lisa Bird, of the Doncaster Central Neighbourhood Policing Team. “Illegal gambling is often linked to other criminality, including organised crime, money laundering and human trafficking, all of which threaten the safety and security of our city centre.”
“We will continue to gather intelligence on those suspected of having links to illegal gambling and will work closely with partners to tackle the issue and target those involved in this criminality.”
Whilst the gambling dens obviously proved the key focus of reports, the engagement of immigration officers added an unusual criminal dimension. Immigration Enforcement Assistant Director for Yorkshire Tim Gallacher explained: “This was a successful operation for Immigration Enforcement, with officers showing the utmost professionalism throughout. Immigration offenders who are gambling every day by being here illegally can be in no doubt that they will be tracked down and removed at the earliest opportunity.”
Crackdown
Doncaster Police said……. “Illegal gambling is often linked to other criminality, including organised crime, money laundering and human trafficking, all of which threaten the safety and security of our city centre……
Originally published on Coinslot on July 27, 2026. Republished with permission.