Former UK Conservative MP Craig Williams and Amy Hind have pleaded guilty to cheating offences linked to bets placed on the timing of the 2024 UK general election, marking a significant development in one of the country’s highest-profile gambling integrity investigations.
The pair entered guilty pleas at Southwark Crown Court on Monday in a case brought by the UK Gambling Commission. The wider investigation centres on allegations that insider knowledge was used to place wagers on the date of the general election before it was publicly announced.
Williams, who served as parliamentary private secretary to then-prime minister Rishi Sunak, admitted using confidential information to place election-related bets. Prosecutors said his government role gave him access to highly sensitive discussions about the election timetable before Sunak announced on 22 May 2024 that the vote would take place on 4 July.
Amy Hind, the wife of Conservative deputy digital director Anthony Hind, also pleaded guilty to cheating offences. Court proceedings heard that she placed several successful bets on a July election after additional high-value betting attempts failed. A separate allegation against Anthony Hind, accusing him of passing insider information to his wife, has since been withdrawn by prosecutors.
The Gambling Commission’s investigation originally led to charges against 15 individuals. While Williams and Hind admitted guilt, the remaining 12 defendants denied the allegations and are scheduled to stand trial in two phases, beginning in September 2027 and continuing into January 2028. Those facing trial include former Conservative officials, campaign staff and a former police officer attached to the prime minister’s protection team.
Williams’ sentencing has been postponed until after the related trials conclude, while Hind is due to be sentenced in October 2026. Prosecutors also confirmed that several additional charges against Williams will be dropped when sentencing takes place following his guilty plea.
Although betting on UK election outcomes and dates is legal, using confidential, non-public information to gain an advantage is prohibited under the Gambling Act. The case is one of the rare prosecutions for cheating at gambling under the legislation and highlights the Gambling Commission’s continued focus on protecting betting market integrity.