Several news sources have reported that Chandler was arrested, while the PR spokesperson, Neal Wilkins, was extremely vague when stating, "Four people from Victor Chandler were questioned by French police on Monday in respect of various aspects regarding entertaining at Longchamps. They were subsequently released without charges."
The incident happened during the Chandler's stay at the George V Hotel near the Champs-Elysees where he was temporarily residing for a meeting at Longchamps on Sunday. He and a group of associates were in town for an annual meeting of British race goers run by Horse Racing Abroad. Initially, the four men were allegedly found in possession of betting stubs and large bundles of Euro bills. While it remains in question as to whether they were actually questioned or arrested, they were soon released and asked not to leave the country.
Chandler is a longtime bookmaker who took his business to Gibraltar in 1999 and initiated a chain of events that is said to have led to the introduction of tax-free betting in the UK. His company, which includes VictorChandler.com, one of the largest gaming sites in the world, has grown since its inception by Victor's grandfather in 1946 into possibly the best known betting organization. The Gibraltar-based business has offices in the UK, Europe, and Asia, and it offers betting via phone or Internet in 164 countries.
On the website, Chandler is quoted, "There are very few thrills in life. Backing your hunches is one of the last ones left."