Stoke-on-Trent Man Charged Over Unauthorised Gambling Operation

According to officials, the alleged operation took place between October 2023 and September 2024. Simcock is accused of running a gambling business without the appropriate licence, breaching strict rules laid out in the UK’s Gambling Act.

Simcock is expected to appear at Birmingham Magistrates’ Court on 24 March.

Interest in Simcock’s alleged activities heightened after a feature appeared in the Racing Post earlier this year. In February 2024, the newspaper published an undercover interview with a man who identified himself as Simcock.

The interview provided insight into how the business allegedly functioned outside the regulatory framework. Bets were said to be taken via messaging apps which is a method increasingly used by unlawful operators to avoid scrutiny. Such tactics reflect a broader shift in how these sorts of underground gambling networks operate in the digital age.

Simcock claimed to act as the commercial manager of the business and said up to ten people were involved in day-to-day operations. He also claimed that around 1,300 individuals had used the service during the period it was active.

The case highlights a growing issue in the gambling industry with some players seeking out unregulated platforms. Simcock reportedly said many of the customers who used The Post Bookmakers had previously bet with licensed firms but had become frustrated with industry controls.

One of the main drivers appears to be the rise of affordability checks which are mechanisms introduced by legal bookmakers to tackle problem gambling and assess customer risk. However, critics argue these checks have become a barrier for some, leading them to explore unauthorised alternatives and leave the scope of responsible gambling.

Another common grievance has been account limitations, often applied to bettors deemed too successful or high-risk. The Gambling Commission has recently been stepping up enforcement efforts, particularly as concerns grow about the influence of unlicensed operators. The increasing use of encrypted apps and social platforms to manage bets has made detection more difficult, forcing regulators to adopt more sophisticated tracking methods.

Technology and Enforcement Gaps

This case also highlights the role of modern communication technology in enabling grey market activity. With encrypted mobile messaging apps like WhatsApp used as betting tools, traditional oversight methods can struggle to keep up. Simcock’s alleged model reflects a broader trend, with similar setups being identified elsewhere in the UK and internationally.

While Simcock’s trial has yet to take place, the revelations have already sparked renewed debate about how the UK gambling landscape is evolving and whether tougher enforcement alone is enough to try to stamp out these underground operations.