Police in the Scottish Borders were involved in a joint initiative with the Gambling Commission focusing on potential illegal betting taking place during the recent Cheltenham Festival. Licensing officers from Lothian and Borders Police were joined by Gambling Commission officers in visits to pubs in Hawick. They were there to assist local licensees in ensuring that no illegal betting was taking place on their premises.
No offences were detected in the operation, which followed a series of visits that took place last week, where officers provided advice to licensees in Hawick regarding gambling and licensing legislation in advance of the Festival.
The initiative comes as part of Operation Oberon, a Lothian and Borders Police operation aimed at tackling criminality in pubs and clubs, and improving the safety and security of licensees and patrons.
Assistant Chief Constable Bill Skelly, who is leading the initiative, said: “The Cheltenham Festival is a popular fixture in the horse-racing calendar, and many people enjoy placing a bet as part of the event.
“Unfortunately there is a minority who choose to take advantage of this by running illegal gambling operations, which may take place within pubs and clubs.
“We will not tolerate illegal betting activity taking place in licensed premises, and we will deal robustly with anyone involved in this practise.
“Operation Oberon is a Force-wide initiative that aims to make licensed premises a ‘no go’ area for criminals, many of whom are involved in serious organised criminal activity that has an adverse impact on local communities.
“We are working alongside the licensed trade as part of this initiative, and our partners within the trade are fully behind what we are doing.”
Gambling Commission Investigations Manager Jim McCartan said: “The Gambling Commission was pleased to lend support to this multi-agency operation.
“Working in partnership with other law enforcement agencies is central to the Commission’s approach to keeping gambling fair and safe.”
