Entain reaffirms commitment to sustainable markets on ESG report; 100% revenues in 2022 from regulated jurisdictions

Global sports betting and gaming group Entain shared Wednesday its 2022-23 ESG report, setting out the group’s approach to, and performance on, sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)-related matters.  

The report digs into the progress Entain has made in implementing the objectives of its Sustainability Charter built around four core principles: an exclusive focus on regulated markets; responsible betting and gaming; corporate governance; and investing in local communities. 

It also provides a further update on the concepts introduced at Entain Sustain in November 2022, which the company describes as an "industry-leading" sustainability and ESG-focused event. 

The report elaborates on the company's focus on regulated markets and points out that 100% of group revenues came from domestically regulated or regulating markets in 2022, with the number of these jurisdictions increasing to 40. In the meantime, the group exited nine markets as it did not see a pathway to sustainable regulation.

As of 2023, Entain holds domestic licenses in 30 countries and 26 North American markets, ensuring its operations and commercial activities are kept fully within regulatory frameworks.

The company also stated that it is now established as "a top-three US operator," with BetMGM -its joint venture with heavyweight MGM- having achieved an 18% market share in the markets in which it operates in and a leading market share of 30% in iGaming. 

Additionally, corporate highlights include its proprietary Advanced Responsibility & Care (ARC) player protection program successfully rolled out to 22 international markets, an initiative needed to foster safer gambling environments across all operating markets. 

Of further significance, Entain increased its contributions to Research, Education, and Treatment (RET) to 1% of Gross Gambling Yield (GGY) in 2023 in the UK, solidifying its commitment to ethical gaming practices.

Regarding corporate governance, Entain has noted 33% female representation on the board and the introduction of its first-ever Board Diversity Policy. The firm asserts that these policies are "demonstrating its commitment to diversity at the highest level."

The company’s Big Six Compliance Programme has expanded employee compliance training across all business units, with an average completion rate of 93% from 82% in 2021.

The company has further committed to a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2035, which will be verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Meanwhile, investments in grassroots and community sports through the Entain Foundation have further demonstrated the company’s community-focused approach.

Additional initiatives aimed at closing the gender pay gap and delivering well-being programs, especially for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, "underline the company’s commitment to its people."

In 2022 the group was the largest operator to be awarded the highest level of accreditation (Advanced Level 3) for its online activities and Advanced Level 2 for its land-based activities from GamCare’s Safer Gambling Standard. The company was also named the global 2022 Socially Responsible Operator of the Year by industry experts at SBC, as well as winning several regional titles.

Jette Nygaard-Andersen, Entain's CEO

In an official statement, Jette Nygaard-Andersen, the group's CEO, said: "Over the past year, we have continued to make great progress in setting the standards for our industry in all areas of ESG across all of our operations."

"We are proud to lead the industry in providing the safest possible betting and gaming platform, taking a leading role in supporting the communities in which we operate, reducing our environmental impact, and in doing so, making Entain the best place to work for all of our people. By delivering on this ambition, we will create long-term, sustainable growth for all of our stakeholders," she concluded.