Two ex-Entain execs have started legal proceedings against the UKGC. [Image: Shutterstock.com]

Turkey beef?

Two ex-Entain execs have started legal proceedings against the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) in the UK High Court over what industry insiders believe is linked to the pair’s historic Turkey sportsbook business. 

The two executives, Kenny Alexander and Lee Feldman, filed their claim on October 29.

failed leadership bid for 888 Holdings

Feldman was the Chairman of GVC Holdings before it rebranded to Entain, while Alexander was the CEO who oversaw the 2011 purchase and 2017 sale of Entain’s former Turkish subsidiary Sportingbet. While reports can’t confirm the Turkey angle of the lawsuit, the pair have beef with the UKGC over their failed leadership bid for 888 Holdings in July 2023. 

UKGC thwarts execs dreams

According to media reports on Monday, Alexander and Feldman filed a claim against the UKGC recently alleging “misuse of private information” and that the regulator used private information without consent.

The most recent history between the UKGC and the ex-Entain execs goes back to June 2023, when Alexander and Feldman’s FS Gaming purchased a 6.57% stake in 888. A month later, Alexander and Feldman were pushing to take control of 888 as CEO and Executive Chairman, respectively. 

The Commission, however, swiftly put an end to the pair’s aspirations when it announced it was investigating FS Gaming’s investment into 888 over the historic involvement of its executives in Entain’s Turkish sportsbook violations. 

888 Executive Chair Lord Mendelsohn promptly issued a statement to his board stating the firm had “no option but to terminate discussions” with FS Gaming. 

Loose ends

While media outlet NEXT.io believes Alexander and Feldman’s suit to be GVC Holdings related, it cited the UKGC as quoting its “policy of not discussing ongoing legal proceedings” in response to a question regarding the former Turkey controversy-linked firm. 

While Entain accepted a £585m ($759) fine in November 2023 and eventually settled the Turkish matter by entering a £615m ($798m) Deferred Prosecution Agreement, “some of its former executives are yet to do so.”

His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs investigation into GVC’s historic activities in Turkey, featuring allegations of bribery and corruption, is ongoing.