Gamblegate: 15 Charged Over Bets on UK General Election Date

The Gambling Commission has charged 15 people, including several senior Conservatives, over alleged misuse of insider information to place bets on the date of the 2024 general election.

The probe, which began in June 2024, centred on individuals said to have used privileged knowledge to “gain an unfair advantage in betting markets,” according to the regulator.

Placing bets based on confidential details about the election date — which was ultimately held on 4 July — is considered a criminal offence under section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005. Sections 27 and 28 also gave the Commission powers to investigate and bring charges.

Dubbed ‘Gamblegate’, the case emerged after a number of Conservative candidates were found to have wagered on the timing of the vote.

Craig Williams, then a close aide to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, was the first to admit having a “flutter”. He has now been formally charged, along with fellow candidate Laura Saunders, her husband and campaign director Tony Lee, and former party marketing chief Simon Chatfield, who stepped down in December.

Others named include ex-chief data officer Nick Mason and Welsh Senedd member Russell George. The remaining 10 individuals have not yet been publicly identified, though EGR reports efforts are underway to confirm their names.

A Gambling Commission spokesperson stated:

“The Commission is committed to upholding the law and will continue to take robust action against illegal betting practices, including investigating and prosecuting offences.” They added: “The Gambling Commission cannot provide further details on ongoing criminal cases.”

All 15 are expected to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on 13 June 2025.

These charges are separate from a Metropolitan Police investigation, which concluded in August 2024 without any charges being filed.