UKGC Links Leicester Address to Corporate Entity
A Freedom of Information request has identified the registered company operating from a specific Leicester address.
A Freedom of Information (FOI) request to the Gambling Commission has successfully identified the registered company operating from 119 Cardinals Walk, Leicester. The disclosure highlights a key tool consumers can use to verify the identity of businesses and ensure they are dealing with a licensed and legitimate operator.
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A Freedom of Information (FOI) request submitted to the UK Gambling Commission has revealed the corporate identity behind a premises in Leicester, highlighting a key transparency tool available to the public.
The disclosure, dated 12 October 2023, confirms that the business operating from 119 Cardinals Walk, Leicester, LE5 1LN is CARDINALS WALK STORE LTD. This information provides a direct link between a physical location and its registered legal entity.
Why This Matters
For consumers, knowing the legal entity behind a shop front is crucial for due diligence and protection. It allows individuals to verify if an operator holds the necessary licence from the Gambling Commission, check the company's history on public registers, and identify the correct party to address in the event of a dispute or complaint. This request demonstrates a practical application of the FOIA to achieve greater operator transparency at a local level.
The Disclosure in Detail
The request specifically asked for the business name and company registration number for the address at 119 Cardinals Walk.
In its response, the Gambling Commission did not provide the information directly. Instead, it invoked Section 21 of the Freedom of Information Act, which exempts information that is already reasonably accessible to the public through other means. The regulator directed the requester to the Companies House website, where details for CARDINALS WALK STORE LTD can be found.
While technically an exemption, this response constitutes a full disclosure by pointing to the exact public record containing the requested details. This is a standard and efficient procedure for public bodies to avoid duplicating information that is already available elsewhere.
Implications for Consumer Transparency
This case serves as a clear example of how the FOI process can empower consumers and researchers. By asking the regulator to connect an address to an entity, the requester was able to successfully identify the company in question.
The outcome underscores the importance of public databases like the Companies House register and the Gambling Commission's own public register of licensees. These resources are fundamental to ensuring the gambling industry remains accountable and transparent.
For any consumer wishing to verify the legitimacy of a gambling business, whether online or on the high street, identifying the registered company name is the essential first step. This disclosure illustrates a straightforward pathway to obtaining that information.