Council seizes unlicensed gaming machines in joint operation with police and HMRC

Enforcement officers at Hull City Council have seized six unlicensed, high payment gaming machines at two premises in the city.

The seizures – carried out in partnership with Humberside Police and Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs – followed the receipt of intelligence.

The two premises, Café Anatolia at 93 Beverley Road and another café on 147 Spring Bank, were found to be operating gaming machines that were not in accordance with an authorisation under the Gambling Act 2005.

According to the local authority, the machines were only authorised to be in licensed snooker clubs, members clubs and other gambling establishments such as licensed betting shops, amusement arcades and casinos.

Keith Fenner, Hull's Licensing Manager, said: "This operation sends out a clear message that illegal gambling activity in the city is not acceptable. Gaming machines that are on premises without authorisation, will ultimately result in seizure, destruction and prosecution of offenders.

"The operators of these particular premises have not followed the Gambling Act 2005, which is in place to prevent gambling from being a source for crime and disorder or support crime as well as ensuring gambling is conducted in a fair and open way."

Tim Bright, Gambling Commission Compliance Manager, said: "This is another good example of shared regulation tackling operators offering gaming machines outside of the law.”