Suspected Doncaster town centre lockdown gambling den under investigation

Police visited the site, on the upstairs floor of a property on East Laith Gate on Sunday, and officers were seen outside the premises yesterday (Monday).

Doncaster does not have any licenced casinos at present. And under coronavirus legislation, gatherings are not permitted.

Doncaster town centre neighbourhood inspector Mark Payling said: "We'd become aware of reports of a gambling operation in an upstairs location on East Laith Gate.

"A number of items have been removed from the premises."

He said that steps were being taken to verify who the owner and responsible person for the premises was.

Doncaster Council declined to comment on the matter.

The council is responsible for issuing gambling licences under the The Gambling Act 2005, using a process that sometimes involving hearings from its licensing sub committee.

The authority has a whole page on its website dealing with gambling issues which states: “The Gambling Act 2005 (the Act) contains three licensing objectives which are central to the regulatory regime created by the act.

"They are: preventing gambling from being a source of crime or disorder, being associated with crime or disorder, or being used to support crime; ensuring that gambling is conducted in a fair and open way; and protecting children and other vulnerable persons from being harmed or exploited by gambling.”

The authority also has a published gambling policy document.

It states that casinos are specifically limited, by national regulations, as to their number, size and geographical location. Doncaster Council, under the existing law, cannot issue a casino licence due to it not being one of specified locations.

Lockdown has now been in place since January 5.

Police have urged people to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.Between January 8 and January 15 they issued 127 Fixed Penalty Notices, of which 92 were for indoor gatherings.

Supt Paul McCurry said at the time: “People are in a position now where they know what is asked of them, and the vast majority are making sacrifices in order to adhere to the rules."

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.