Bookmakers reminded of licence responsibilities at Cheltenham Festival

UK Gambling Commission News

Published March 10th, 2026

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

The UK Gambling Commission has reminded on-course bookmakers at the Cheltenham Festival of their operating licence responsibilities, particularly concerning anti-money laundering and cash handling. Licensees must adhere to policies and report suspicious activities.

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What changed

The UK Gambling Commission issued a notice reminding on-course bookmakers operating at the Cheltenham Festival of their existing licence obligations, specifically focusing on anti-money laundering (AML) and terrorist financing prevention. The notice references LCCP Condition 12.1.1 for AML obligations and Conditions 15.2.1 and 15.1.2 for reporting suspicious activities. It emphasizes the need for robust policies, procedures, and controls to guard against counterfeit currency and criminal proceeds entering the gambling system.

While this is a reminder and not a new regulation, bookmakers must ensure their current AML policies and procedures are up-to-date and effectively implemented during the busy festival period. Compliance officers should verify that staff are vigilant in identifying and reporting any suspicious transactions or attempts to launder money, as failure to do so could lead to regulatory scrutiny or enforcement action under existing licensing conditions.

What to do next

Review and ensure robustness of existing anti-money laundering policies and procedures for on-course operations.
Reinforce staff training on identifying and reporting suspicious activities, including counterfeit currency and criminal proceeds.
Verify adherence to LCCP Conditions 12.1.1, 15.2.1, and 15.1.2 during the Cheltenham Festival.

Source document (simplified)

Reminder for on-course bookmakers at Cheltenham Festival

10 March 2026

On-course bookmakers at Cheltenham Festival are reminded of their responsibilities in holding an operating licence, particularly in relation to the prevention of money laundering and handling large amounts of cash.

All licensees must address money laundering and terrorist financing risks by following appropriate policies, procedures and controls to mitigate against their business becoming a source of crime.

LCCP Condition 12.1.1 Anti-money laundering - Prevention of money laundering and terrorist financing places an obligation on gambling operators to be alert to attempts by customers to gamble money acquired unlawfully, either to attempt to ‘clean up' money or simply using criminal proceeds to fund their gambling.

Licensees are also reminded of their obligations to report any suspicions when they have concerns around activity or transactions they may encounter on-course - LCCP Condition 15.2.1 - Reporting key events and LCCP Condition 15.1.2 Reporting suspicion of offences etc – betting licences.

John Pierce, Commission Director of Enforcement, said: “Cheltenham Festival is an exceptionally busy period, and while the vast majority of on‑course betting is entirely legitimate and part of people enjoying their racing experience, Licensees should continue to ensure that their written policies, procedures, and controls remain robust and effective in practice, and that they remain vigilant to guard against counterfeit currency and criminal proceeds entering the gambling system.”

Last updated: 10 March 2026

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