Former Tory MP altered passport image to bypass gambling self-exclusion

Former Conservative MP Katie Wallis has admitted changing the date on a digital image of her passport to gain access to an online gambling website. She had previously excluded herself using Gamstop.

Wallis represented Bridgend between 2019 and 2024. She pleaded guilty to an offence under the Computer Misuse Act at Cardiff Crown Court.

The court handed down a nine-month conditional discharge. This means she will face no further punishment unless she commits another offence during that period.

Two charges relating to possession of a false passport were dismissed after Wallis accepted the alternative charge.

Passport image altered to bypass Gamstop

The court heard that Wallis had previously registered with Gamstop. This is a free self-exclusion service that prevents registered users from accessing gambling websites licensed in Great Britain.

However, in April 2022, she digitally altered the date displayed on an image of her genuine passport. She then used it to circumvent the restrictions and deposit money with an online gambling operator.

The money was subsequently lost, although prosecutors confirmed that no other person suffered financial losses.

The physical passport had not been altered. Wallis had also not attempted to assume another person's identity.

Prosecutor Richard Posner explained that Wallis had a recognised gambling problem. She was experiencing acute psychological distress at the time.

The judge described the offence as a "single impulsive" act and acknowledged the significant personal circumstances presented in mitigation.

Wallis has since registered again with Gamstop.

Case shows us the importance of identity verification

The case shows us the difficulties gambling operators face in preventing excluded customers from accessing their platforms using altered personal information.

Under Gambling Commission requirements, licensed online operators must verify customers' identities before allowing them to gamble. They must also participate in Gamstop and take steps to prevent registered individuals from opening new accounts.

However, self-exclusion systems depend on operators correctly identifying customers. This makes accurate verification particularly important.

Wallis's actions show how changes to identifying information can potentially undermine these safeguards. However, the court proceedings did not establish whether the operator had breached any regulatory requirements.

Former MP says gambling problem has ended

According to BBC reporting, Wallis's defence outlined a period of significant personal difficulties. This included family separation and other traumatic experiences.

In a written plea, Wallis acknowledged having a gambling problem but maintained that the behaviour had not been repeated.

"The gambling problem which lay behind the offence has not recurred." – Wallis

The case follows separate proceedings involving three Conservative Party figures convicted over betting on the timing of the 2024 general election.

Anthony Lee, Laura Lee and Amy Hind recently received suspended prison sentences for offences under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005.

Unlike those cases, which concerned the misuse of inside information for betting, Wallis's offence involved circumventing restrictions intended to protect individuals who have chosen to stop gambling.