UKGC targets Facebook in new illegal lotteries probe
Cross-agency investigation issues cease-and-desist letters to social media-led lottery operators targeting children
The Gambling Commission (UKGC) has revealed details of a new cross-agency law enforcement investigation into illegal lotteries working to recruit players via social media site Facebook.
UKGC investigators worked jointly with other agencies operating within the Government Agency Intelligence Network (GAIN) as well as representatives from the social networking platform.
Illegal lotteries encountered as part of the operation offered players a variety of cash prizes, children’s toys, clothing and other associated incentives to participate.
Two individuals were identified in the investigation as promoting illegal lottery activity and were removed from associated Facebook groups after being issued with cease-and-desist letters by the North East Regional Special Operations and South West Regional Organised Crime Units respectively.
Discussing the investigation’s findings, UKGC executive director Helen Venn highlighted the need to identify the individuals at the heart of these lotteries, suggesting that the hundreds of people taking part would be at risk, as well as these lotteries not directly funding good causes.
“Working alongside our colleagues at Facebook and the police, we are pleased that key individuals have been identified and this type of activity, which only increases the risk of gambling harm, has been disrupted,” Venn said.
“Illegal lotteries, including those taking place through social media channels, will continue to be a focus for our enforcement work this year as we link up closely with platforms like Facebook to pinpoint not only the activity, but those behind it and those who are breaching gambling rules and social media standards,” she added.
David Gill, GAIN coordinator at the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, added: “We know the actual winners in illegal lotteries, which often promise high value prizes and cash draws, are too often the people running them – and they are persistent in their attempts to keep operating.
“We will continue to support the Gambling Commission in targeting and disrupting people profiting from such illegal schemes.
“Work like this shows the value and absolute necessity of the full range of enforcement agencies working together as part of the GAIN network,” Gill concluded.