Kenny Alexander and Lee Feldman sue the UKGC over failed 888 takeover

• Kenny Alexander and Lee Feldman accuse the regulator of unlawfully disclosing private information during the 2023 licence review.
• The case alleges UKGC collaborated with 888 Holdings to block their leadership bid through investment vehicle FS Gaming.
• High Court proceedings coincide with a pending criminal trial scheduled for February 2028 over historic Turkey operations.

Kenny Alexander and Lee Feldman, former chief executive and chairman of GVC Holdings (now Entain), have initiated civil proceedings against the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) following their unsuccessful 2023 attempt to assume leadership positions at 888 Holdings.

The High Court case, which began this week before Mrs Justice Eady, alleges the regulator breached the executives’ privacy rights and misused confidential information during its intervention in their proposed takeover of the London-listed operator.

Failed takeover bid triggers licence review

In June 2023, Alexander and Feldman acquired a 6.5% stake in 888 Holdings through FS Gaming, intending to become CEO and chairman, respectively, at the William Hill parent company. Their plans collapsed when the UKGC informed 888 of a licence review, citing concerns over the executives’ previous Entain roles.

The regulatory scrutiny stemmed from an ongoing HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) investigation into alleged bribery offences connected to GVC Holdings‘ Turkish operations between 2011 and 2017.

Following the intervention, 888’s board terminated discussions with FS Gaming in July 2023. Lord Mendelsohn, then 888 chairman, stated the board had “no option but to terminate discussions as it simply could not put licences in our largest market at significant risk.”

Allegations of regulatory collusion

The executives’ lawsuit contends the UKGC’s actions exceeded standard regulatory oversight. According to court filings, Alexander and Feldman allege the Commission worked “hand-in-hand” and in “connivance” with 888 to block their takeover attempt.

Lawyers representing the former executives claim Andrew Rhodes, chief executive of the Gambling Commission, held discussions with Lord Mendelsohn and allegedly indicated that 888 risked losing its licence if Alexander became chief executive.

The lawsuit further alleges the regulator influenced 888’s public market statement announcing the licence review.

“The regulator’s actions have caused damage, distress and embarrassment, as well as the loss of standing,” according to court documents filed by the claimants.

David Sherbourne, a media lawyer representing Alexander and Feldman, argued in court that the Commission had “heavily collaborated” with 888 and “made public the private and confidential information” about its review to “undermine” their takeover proposal.

Regulatory defence and impact claims

The UKGC is expected to defend itself by arguing that no private information was unlawfully disclosed and that any disclosure was in the public interest. The Commission maintains that its publications relating to Alexander and Feldman did not breach confidentiality and that the executives have not suffered damage as a result of regulatory actions.

During proceedings, Feldman acknowledged he was aware of Alexander’s suspect status in the HMRC investigation at the time of the 888 discussions. The Commission cites this awareness as justification for its intervention.

In witness testimony, Feldman stated the regulatory scrutiny has left him “ostracised by my peers” and unable to work for two years. He expressed concern about how his children would view what has been written about him. Alexander similarly claims the situation has further damaged his reputation.

Turkey operations and corporate settlement

The civil lawsuit runs parallel to criminal charges filed against Alexander, Feldman, and nine others in August 2025. The Crown Prosecution Service authorised prosecution for offences relating to bribery, conspiracy to defraud, fraudulent trading, and tax evasion.

The charges relate to GVC Holdings‘ operations in Turkey between 2011 and 2018 through subsidiary Headlong Limited, which operated Sportingbet‘s Turkish-facing business. GVC sold the business to Ropso Malta Limited in December 2017, ahead of its £4 billion Ladbrokes Coral acquisition.

In December 2023, Entain entered into a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) with the CPS, requiring payment of £585 million in penalties and disgorged profits, £20 million to charity, and £10 million for legal costs over four years.

“This has been a complex and international investigation,” said Richard Las, director of HMRC’s fraud investigation service.

“These are serious charges that relate to conspiracy to defraud, bribery, cheating the public revenue, evasion of income tax and perverting the course of justice among others.”

The DPA resolved corporate matters but did not protect individual executives. An Entain spokesperson confirmed:

“The company has not been charged and none of the individuals charged are currently employed by the company or its group.”

Criminal trial proceedings

Judge Baumgartner at Southwark Crown Court set a provisional trial date of 14 February 2028 for Alexander, Feldman, and five co-defendants, with proceedings expected to last four months. Additional trials are scheduled for October 2028 and March 2029.

The judge deferred arraignment and ruled the case would remain at Southwark Crown Court rather than relocating to Leeds. A partial restrictive reporting order prevents media from reporting details about Operation Incendiary, the HMRC and CPS investigation codename.

Additional lawsuit against Addleshaw Goddard

Alexander and Feldman have also filed a separate lawsuit against Entain and law firm Addleshaw Goddard, alleging improper sharing of privileged information with investigators.

Alexander served as GVC chief executive from 2007 to 2020, transforming the company into an FTSE 100 constituent. The Commission’s intervention effectively ended any prospect of the executives returning to senior UK gambling industry positions whilst criminal proceedings remain pending.

The High Court proceedings conclude this week. The UKGC stated it “is robustly defending the case but does not provide a running commentary on ongoing legal proceedings.”

Photo credit: David Rose / The Telegraph