The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) has issued a reminder to on-course bookmakers operating during the Cheltenham Festival to remain alert to potential suspicious betting activity and to uphold their licensing obligations.
Ahead of the annual racing meeting, the regulator urged licence holders to stay vigilant while handling high volumes of cash and to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent criminal behaviour.
Under the Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP), gambling operators are required to maintain strong policies, procedures, and internal controls designed to reduce the risks of money laundering and terrorist financing.
In particular, Licence Condition 12.1.1 requires operators to watch for attempts by customers to gamble using funds obtained illegally, whether as part of an effort to “clean” criminal proceeds or simply to spend money generated through unlawful activity.
The regulator also highlighted the importance of reporting suspicious activity. Licence holders must notify the Commission of relevant concerns in line with LCCP Condition 15.2.1, which covers the reporting of key events, and Condition 15.1.2, which requires operators to report suspected offences connected to betting licences.
John Pierce, Director of Enforcement at the Commission, 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.”
The Cheltenham Festival is among the busiest periods for on-course wagering in the UK, attracting large crowds and generating substantial betting activity during the four-day event.
In recent years, bookmakers operating at racecourses have increasingly introduced card payment options for racegoers placing bets.
Meanwhile, betting volumes at UK race meetings have continued to rise. Between April 2024 and March 2025, total wagers reached £248 million, representing a 9.5% year-on-year increase.