Former Entain Executives Sue UK Gambling Commission over 888 Takeover Saga

The aftermath of the failed attempt by Kenny Alexander and Lee Feldman to return to the top of the gambling industry has taken another twist, as the pair launched a civil suit against the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). The two former Entain executives face serious criminal charges related to past activities in Turkey. They claim that the regulator unlawfully exposed private information while intervening in their bid to take control of 888 Holdings.

The Duo Faced Significant Setbacks

Alexander and Feldman came into the limelight in 2023 as the driving force behind FS Gaming, an investment vehicle that quietly acquired a 6.5% stake in 888. They planned to install themselves in executive roles at the William Hill parent company, presenting the move as an opportunity to stabilize a company struggling with debt, strategic drift, and repeated leadership changes.

Unfortunately for the duo, their plan only lasted a few days. The Gambling Commission informed 888 that it intended to review its license, citing concerns about Alexander and Feldman’s previous association with Entain. Fearing increased scrutiny, the board retreated and halted talks. The pair’s alleged association in an HMRC investigation known as Operation Incendiary presented an unacceptable risk.

Alexander and Feldman’s lawsuit contends that the regulator’s involvement went beyond discreet supervision. They allege that the Commission had a hand in 888’s market statement, which revealed the license review and highlighted concerns linked to their past roles. According to the duo’s lawyers, such acts represented misuse of private information and a breach of confidence, causing “damage, distress and embarrassment”.

Alexander and Feldman Will Face Trial in 2028

The timing of this lawsuit is particularly relevant. The two men, along with nine others, are now facing charges that range from conspiracy to bribe and conspiracy to defraud to fraudulent trading and tax evasion. The accusations concern the gambling company GVC Holdings, where Alexander and Feldman held leadership positions, and its former Turkish-facing business. A high-profile three-part trial has been set for 2028 through 2029.

In court, Feldman acknowledged that he knew Alexander was a suspect during the 888 discussions, a fact that the Commission claims made intervention unavoidable. The regulator insists that none of its revelations contained truly private information. However, the claimants insist that the Commission created the impression that it had already formed a negative opinion about their suitability, long before any findings in the criminal case.

Feldman claims that the regulatory scrutiny has left him unable to work and ostracized by colleagues, while Alexander argues that the incident has worsened the reputational damage he already faces. With the criminal proceedings years away and the civil action now underway, the dispute further complicates the sprawling saga involving two of the UK’s most infamous gambling names.