Former Entain CEOs Launch Civil Claim Against Gambling Commission Over 888 Holdings Bid
Former Entain CEO Kenny Alexander and chair Lee Feldman have initiated a civil claim against the Gambling Commission alleging a breach of privacy relating to its inquiries during their 2023 bid for 888 Holdings.
In June 2023, Alexander and Feldman held a 6.5% stake in 888 Holdings through FS Gaming and sought control of the online casino company. However, talks ended after 888 cited regulator questions about the duo's previous ties with Entain.
The Gambling Commission had information suggesting Alexander and Feldman were suspects in an HMRC bribery investigation known as Operation Incendiary. The regulator asked 888 whether the pair had been interviewed under caution or were suspects in other probes.
888 Holdings stated it ended acquisition discussions as it could not get basic assurances from Alexander and Feldman. Meanwhile, the Gambling Commission placed 888's licence under review under the codename Operation Rattle, which concluded in January 2024 when the takeover proposal was abandoned.
Entain has agreed to pay £650 million under a deferred prosecution agreement linked to HMRC’s bribery probes into its Turkish operations. Alexander and Feldman are among 11 defendants facing fraud and bribery charges, with a trial scheduled for 2028.
The pair claim the Gambling Commission's actions caused them damage, distress, embarrassment, and loss of standing. The regulator plans to defend itself, stating that no private information was disclosed and that all disclosures were made in the public interest.
Notably, Alexander was fined £1,000 and banned from driving in 2021 after admitting to theft of a takeaway driver’s vehicle and a drunken joyride in Perth, Scotland.
