Smokeem

What is Smokeem?

Ahead of his departure Counsell said the Commission was developing a new strategy and ramping up its work to tackle illegal gambling, with Evans set to play a “pivotal” role as it also finalises measures from the Gambling Act review’s subsequent white paper.

Evans said she was commitment to enhancing “online safety” through “proportionate regulation with partnership and shared responsibility” involving regulators, industry participants and technology firms.

“She becomes chair at this incredibly important time, supporting a sustainable, thriving industry with the essential protections needed to prevent harm,” DCMS Secretary of State Lisa Nandy commented on the appointment.

About Smokeem

Quarterly data from January to March 2026 reinforced this trend, with online verticals generating £2.2 billion, and remote casino alone accounting for 68.3% (£1.5 billion) of that total.

The first quarter of 2026 saw a total industry GGY of £4.4 billion including lotteries, or £3.4 billion excluding lotteries.

As of 31 March 2026, there were 2,154 licensed gambling operators, marking a 1.1% decline on the previous year. However the number of separately licensed gambling activities edged up 0.4% to 3,097. 

How to play Smokeem

Casino records for his player’s card suggested he lost over $1.2 million at Mohegan Sun. He’s also reported to have gambled extensively at Foxwoods Resort Casino and MGM Springfield in Massachusetts.

Pietras was charged with dozens of unfair trade practices, larceny, and embezzlement counts. Prosecutors also accused him of violating health and zoning laws by living at his funeral home in Coventry.

Prosecutors said victims were discovered at each of Pietras’ funeral homes, including Coventry-Pietras and Angels Memorial funeral homes in Coventry, Tolland Memorial Funeral Home, and Burke-Fortin and Small & Pietras funeral homes in Vernon.