High Court hears allegations of Gambling Commission collusion in 888 takeover dispute
The Gambling Commission is facing High Court allegations that it acted in concert with 888 during a failed 2023 boardroom takeover attempt by former Entain chief executive Kenny Alexander.
The High Court has been presented with allegations that the UK Gambling Commission colluded with 888 during Kenny Alexander’s 2023 bid to take control of the online gaming operator. Alexander, former chief executive of Entain, claims the regulator disclosed confidential information that hindered his attempted boardroom takeover.
The dispute centres on discussions between FS Gaming, a vehicle led by Alexander and former 888 chairman Lee Feldman, and 888 in mid-2023 after FS Gaming acquired a 6.5 per cent stake in the company. At the time, 888 was engaged in dialogue with the Gambling Commission due to regulatory concerns arising from an HMRC investigation into historic bribery failures within Entain’s former Turkish operation, activity that occurred during Alexander’s tenure.
Court filings state that the Gambling Commission cautioned 888 that its licence could be at risk if Alexander were appointed to an executive role. The regulator is accused of sharing sensitive information in a manner that influenced 888’s response to FS Gaming’s approach.
