Two people were arrested after police and regulators carried out a raid at a suspected illegal gambling venue in central Manchester, according to authorities.
The action followed reports that a property on Chester Road had been hosting gambling activity without the licenses required under UK law. Officers from Greater Manchester Police’s City of Manchester team joined staff from the Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council’s licensing department for the operation on May 28.
A 33-year-old man and a 66-year-old woman were detained on suspicion of offences under the Gambling Act 2005 and the Licensing Act 2003. Police said both remained in custody for questioning as of Thursday evening.
When investigators entered the premises, they discovered gambling tables, chips, account books and records. Officers also recovered alcohol, cash, mobile phones and other materials they believe could be relevant to the case.
Financial investigators join Manchester gambling raid inquiry
What began as a gambling investigation has expanded into a wider probe. Greater Manchester Police said specialists from its Financial Crime Unit and money laundering team are now assisting with ongoing inquiries.
Authorities have not disclosed how large the suspected operation was or how long it may have been running. No charges had been announced when police released details of the raid.
PC Nial Vivian said the operation targeted businesses operating outside legal requirements.
“It is important that all businesses adhere to the laws put in place, and which is why we took action in the city centre yesterday,” Vivian said in a statement.
He also warned that unlawful gambling venues can be linked to broader criminal activity.
“Illegal gambling can cause many issues – from disputes about cash to money laundering – and it is important that we shut them down whenever we come across them,” Vivian said. “We have worked closely with our partners in both the Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council.”
The Gambling Commission described the Manchester case as part of a wider national effort to tackle unlicensed gambling.
Sue Young, the commission’s executive director of operations, added: “Tackling all forms of illegal gambling is a focus for the Commission so we were keen to work in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and Manchester City Council on this operation.”
The raid comes months after a separate enforcement action in Birmingham showcased similar concerns. In July 2025, police officers from Operation Fearless and the Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation unit raided premises in Ladywell Walk, where they uncovered an underground poker and gambling operation.
The investigation resulted in four arrests. Two men were arrested on suspicion of money laundering, while two others were held over immigration offences. Officers also seized gaming machines believed to be connected to suspected money laundering and fraud, along with large amounts of cash, drugs and weapons.
Authorities said the Manchester investigation remains active, with further inquiries continuing.
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