Entain has commented in a statement sent to Gambling Insider on the investigation being conducted against it by the UK’s HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue & Customs), where it is accused of historic misconduct with its (now closed) Turkish iGaming business.
The investigation, which began in 2019, focuses on corporate failings during 2011 and 2017 – with Entain now saying it expects to be hit with a ‘substantial financial penalty.’
Barry Gibson, Chairman of Entain, said of the expected punitive action: “We are keen to achieve a resolution to what is a historical issue relating principally to a business that was sold by the group nearly six years ago. Entain has been through a period of extraordinary transformation since then and has taken decisive action to be a responsible operator with outstanding corporate governance."
Furthermore, Entain stated it doesn’t yet know how big the penalty will be, but did state that the company has undergone a comprehensive review of anti-bribery policies and procedures since the investigation started.
Gibson added: “The Board and leadership teams have been overhauled, 100% of our revenue is now from regulated or regulating markets, and our business model, strategy and culture have been reviewed, analysed and stress-tested. We will continue to work closely with both the CPS and HMRC to ensure that this matter can be concluded as soon as is practical.”
Last year, Entain agreed to pay the Gambling Commission a £17m ($21.5m) regulatory settlement after the body found Entain guilty of multiple social responsibility and anti-money laundering failings.
