Seven individuals have been charged in connection with an alleged fraud targeting bet365, with UK prosecutors claiming the group exploited the bookmaker’s introductory betting promotions to obtain free betting credit and move illicit funds between accounts.
The defendants appeared before Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court, where prosecutors outlined allegations involving bonus abuse, false identities and the transfer of criminal property. The charges remain allegations, and none have been proven in court.
Prosecutors Allege Coordinated Bonus Abuse
According to the prosecution, the alleged scheme operated between January 2021 and August 2023, using personal information and false identities to repeatedly access bet365’s welcome offer for new customers.
Authorities allege that Giuseppe Sangiovanni, 35, coordinated the operation and possessed lists of personal details used to create accounts and claim promotional betting credit.
Sangiovanni, who is currently being held at HMP Oakwood, had his hearing adjourned until 20 August after technical issues prevented him from appearing via video link.
Cases Proceed on Separate Timelines
The remaining defendants are facing a range of fraud-related charges, with proceedings continuing on separate schedules.
Patrick White, 31, is accused of fraud and transferring criminal property. He was granted bail and is due to appear before Gloucester Crown Court in September.
Julian Mackie, 32, also had his hearing postponed because of technical difficulties with a video link.
A warrant without bail was issued for Adon Bridgman-Simon, 33, after he failed to attend court and no explanation was provided for his absence.
Meanwhile, Stephianne Black, 31, is accused of supplying Primary Account Numbers allegedly intended for fraudulent use, as well as obtaining introductory betting credit on behalf of Sangiovanni. She has been granted bail and is scheduled to appear before Gloucester Crown Court on 17 September.
Benjamin Leach, 32, and Simeon Redway, 35, are also facing charges relating to fraud and the transfer of criminal property.
Bonus Abuse Remains an Industry Challenge
The case highlights the ongoing challenge bonus abuse presents to online gambling operators, particularly where promotional offers can be exploited through false identities or coordinated account creation.
It also follows previous fraud cases involving bet365. In 2023, Jon Howard was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment after being convicted of creating more than 1,000 betting accounts under multiple aliases, a scheme prosecutors said caused losses exceeding £236,000 (€274,000).
Since the publication of the UK’s Gambling Act Review White Paper, licensed operators have faced increased regulatory expectations around know-your-customer (KYC) procedures, customer verification and anti-money laundering controls.
The latest prosecution reinforces the importance of robust identity verification and transaction monitoring, as regulators continue to expect operators to identify suspicious account activity and promotional abuse at an early stage.