Former leading Entain executives Kenneth Alexander and Lee Feldman have failed in their attempt to sue the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The pair will now have to cover the regulator’s costs in the case, although a spokesperson told The Guardian that they plan to appeal the decision. Justice Eady’s final ruling from Monday is not in the public domain, as she implemented a temporary order to stop its reporting.
Their civil suit claimed that the UKGC breached their right to privacy. Alexander was formerly the chief executive of Ladbrokes owner Entain, and Feldman was the former chairman. They attempted to take over 888, which changed its name to Evoke in May 2024.
Negotiations fell apart in mid-2023 after the UKGC revealed that it was reviewing the company’s license due to allegations of bribery involving Alexander and Feldman during their time at Entain.
part of a group of 11 defendants facing bribery and fraud charges
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) was investigating the matter at the time, which related to operations in Turkey. The HMRC investigation ultimately led to a £615m ($827m) fine in December 2023. Alexander and Feldman are also part of a group of 11 defendants facing bribery and fraud charges. The trial is scheduled to start in 2028.
The UKGC asked 888 whether it was aware of the allegations, prompting 888 to end talks with the pair, which formed the basis of the civil suit. Alexander and Feldman believed the UKGC breached their privacy by revealing the investigation while the matter was ongoing.
