Former CEO Of GVC Holdings Sues The UK Gambling Commission

    Former CEO Of GVC Holdings Sues The UK Gambling Commission
    Article by : Erik Gibbs Jan 8, 2025

    Kenny Alexander, the former CEO of GVC Holdings, and Lee Feldman, its ex-chairman, have filed a lawsuit against the UK Gambling Commission, alleging breaches of privacy and confidentiality. The legal action stems from the regulator’s handling of sensitive information during its review of licensing issues involving 888 Holdings in 2023.

    The controversy arose when Alexander and Feldman, through FS Gaming Investments LLC, acquired shares in 888 and proposed leadership roles within the company. Alexander was set to become CEO, while Feldman was lined up for a senior board position.

     However, the Gambling Commission launched a licensing review in July 2023, citing concerns over an ongoing HMRC investigation into alleged bribery during GVC’s operations in Turkey under their leadership. These concerns led to the collapse of their leadership bid at 888, which has since rebranded as Evoke plc.

    The lawsuit accuses the Commission of mishandling private information by publicizing their concerns through a press release and regulatory announcements in early 2024. The claimants argue that this disclosure created a misleading narrative, implying wrongdoing without offering them a chance to respond. 

    They contend that the release of the information violated the Commission’s own publicity code, which restricts sharing details of ongoing investigations to avoid unfairly associating individuals with unsubstantiated claims.

    Alexander and Feldman assert that the information disclosed was unwarranted and unnecessary, particularly since it came long after their proposed leadership roles had been withdrawn. They claim the public release caused significant financial and reputational damage, and they are seeking damages and an injunction to prevent further disclosures. 

    Legal filings also reference the Supreme Court’s ruling in Bloomberg v ZXC, which upholds individuals’ right to privacy during preliminary investigations by public authorities.

    The lawsuit emphasizes that the Commission’s actions not only violated confidentiality but also created an undue perception of guilt. The claimants argue that this misstep undermined their professional standing and caused immeasurable harm.

    Following the fallout, 888 Holdings selected Per Widerstrom, the former CEO of Fortuna, as its new chief executive in July 2023. The company’s leadership change came amid a broader effort to navigate regulatory challenges and stabilize its operations.

    The Gambling Commission has declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing its policy of not discussing ongoing legal proceedings. However, the case raises questions about the balance between regulatory transparency and the protection of individual privacy during sensitive investigations.