Impact of Record Settlement on Entain’s Sustainability Leadership and Social Responsibility

The inaugural Entain Sustain event, held during Safer Gambling Week in 2021, positioned Entain as a leading gambling operator committed to sustainability and safer gambling. Despite receiving industry awards, the business faced scrutiny after paying a £17m regulatory settlement in August of this year. The second annual Entain Sustain event aims to solidify the company’s sustainability leadership position. Chief governance officer Robert Hoskin assures that the settlement’s timing may have created misleading impressions, as it related to prior issues. Since then, Entain has implemented significant changes to their systems and processes, addressing identified gaps. However, public perception plays a crucial role in the perception of safer gambling initiatives and potential government regulations. Hoskin believes that the enforcement action by the Gambling Commission does not harm Entain’s perception significantly but requires clear explanation. The ultimate judgment will be made by the public, and internal discussions with the company’s employees aim to address these concerns transparently. Senior non-executive director Stella David emphasizes the importance of embedding sustainability throughout the entire organization. Entain acknowledges the challenges of balancing addressing the settlement event while showcasing their broader culture of sustainability. With ongoing gambling reforms in the UK and the potential for further regulatory actions, Entain hopes that their continued improvements and technology like the Advanced Responsibility and Care (ARC) program will demonstrate their commitment to responsible gambling. However, it may take time for the wider public to fully trust industry-led solutions like ARC, and the possibility of reforms looms in the near future.