Four arrested as Manchester gambling raids uncover £20,000

Four people have been arrested and more than £20,000 seized after police raided four properties. This happened during an investigation into suspected illegal gambling in Manchester city centre. Officers executed the warrants overnight on Monday 21 September in Deansgate and nearby areas. They also recovered mobile phones, gambling tables, records and account books. The Gambling Commission and Manchester City Council’s Licensing Team supported Greater Manchester Police in the operation.

Arrests span gambling and licensing allegations

Greater Manchester Police said one man was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and providing gambling facilities without authority. A second man was arrested on suspicion of running a late-night takeaway without the required licence. Two women were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

Police said all four remained in custody when the force published its update on 22 September. The cash was seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Officers believe it may have been laundered. That remains an allegation; the investigation is continuing.

Earlier investigation provided new leads

The warrants followed intelligence developed from a May 2026 investigation. This included information obtained from phones seized during that operation. In May, officers visited a Chester Road premises following reports of illegal gambling and recovered tables, chips, records, cash and phones. Two people were subsequently charged with using a premises to operate a casino and selling alcohol without a licence.

PC Nial Vivian of Manchester’s City Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team said the latest searches had yielded further intelligence for investigators. He credited the joint work of neighbourhood officers, the Commission and the council’s licensing team.

“Unlicensed operators often have links to wider criminal activity, exploit vulnerable people and undermine legitimate regulated businesses.” — Sue Young, Gambling Commission executive director of operations

Regulator steps up action against illegal gambling

The Commission’s 2026 money laundering risk assessment says illegal gambling can generate criminal proceeds and provide a means of laundering them. It also notes an increase in illegal casinos targeting the UK. The assessment does not make a finding about the Manchester properties, however.

The government has allocated £26 million over three years to help the Commission disrupt illegal gambling. The Manchester raids show how that work can involve police, the regulator and local licensing officers acting together, with seized devices providing leads for further inquiries.