The Next Chapter for Kenny Alexander in the Gaming Industry

After a long and fulfilling career in the gaming industry, Kenny Alexander decided to retire early, reflecting on his extensive experiences traveling and working in vibrant cities like London. He expressed confidence in leaving the industry to others who would carry on the legacy he helped build. Alexander spoke fondly of his time in the sector, recommending it to anyone with ambitions in the field, as he looked back with no regrets but a clear intention to step aside for the next generation of leaders.

Alexander’s journey in the gaming world began back in 2000 when he discovered an advertisement in the Racing Post that led him to a position at Sportingbet. By 2007, he had ascended to the role of CEO at GVC Holdings, now known as Entain. Under his leadership, the company executed two major acquisitions—Bwin.Party and Ladbrokes Coral—in 2016 and 2017, solidifying its position in the market. During the mobile betting boom, Kenny earned a reputation as a visionary leader, guiding GVC to become a FTSE 250 corporation and one of Europe’s foremost operators before he retired in 2020.

Alexander’s connection to the industry remained strong after retirement. In June 2023, he was involved in a new venture through FS Group, which acquired a 6.57% stake in 888 Holdings. Shortly thereafter, he, along with colleagues Lee Feldman and former Entain CFO Stephen Morana, attempted to launch a bid to take over 888 Holdings. This ambitious move, however, was thwarted when the Gambling Commission intervened, leading to the dismissal of their bid.

Reflecting on his experiences, Alexander described the early days of the gaming industry as thrilling and dynamic, particularly with the emergence of internet bookmakers. Each moment spent in the field had been fulfilling and rewarding for him. Even in retirement, he continued to remain engaged within the racing community as a horse owner, although he also found himself tangled in legal disputes from his past.

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In February, reports surfacing in the Financial Times revealed that Alexander and former Entain chairman Lee Feldman had initiated legal action against both Entain and the legal firm that represented the company concerning an investigation related to their former Turkey business. They alleged that privileged information shared during a bribery case led to significant repercussions, ultimately resulting in Entain settling with the Crown Prosecution Service for a combined financial penalty and costs exceeding £585 million.

Alexander and Feldman lodged a separate complaint against the Gambling Commission, claiming that their private information had been misused during the 888 bid. They asserted that this breach caused them significant distress, embarrassment, and damage to their reputations. Despite the turbulence surrounding these legal issues, Alexander remains a respected figure in the gaming industry, with a legacy that undoubtedly continues to influence the sector. Kenny Alexander Gaming