The watchdog began its investigation in June 2024 after Sunak called a surprise election, a move that is in the gift of the prime minister under the U.K. system.
As it announced the charges, the Gambling Commission said: “The investigation, initiated in June 2024, focused on individuals suspected of using confidential information — specifically advance knowledge of the proposed election date — to gain an unfair advantage in betting markets.
“Such actions constitute an offence of cheating under Section 42 of the Gambling Act 2005, a criminal offence.”
A separate Metropolitan Police investigation into election bets was dropped last August.
This developing story is being updated.
