Entain showcases rewards of its highest industry commitment to ESG 

Entain Plc has lauded the significant milestones achieved during the past 12 months to strengthen the FTSE100 global gambling group’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards.

As outlined in its ‘2022/2023 ESG Report‘, Entain has demonstrated an “unwavering commitment to sustainability and ethical business practices”, recognised as pillars central to the company’s long-term strategy and sustainability of business across all markets.

The report provides an evaluation of Entain’s initiatives, corporate governance and long-term ESG goals, which have prioritised the underlying objectives of maintaining a “strict focus on regulated markets, championing responsible betting and gaming, ensuring exceptional corporate governance, and nurturing investment in people and local communities.”

A notable achievement in regulated markets is the company’s exclusive focus on domestically regulated or regulating markets, accounting for 100% of Entain’s corporate revenues. 

Additionally, the company has taken a clear stance on ensuring a safe and regulated betting and gaming industry, evidenced by its exit from nine markets that lacked clear regulatory frameworks.

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

Entain’s dedication to player safety is paramount to the firm’s ESG planning and investment.  Corporate highlights saw its proprietary Advanced Responsibility & Care (ARC) player protection programme 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 made impressive strides with 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 investment in people and communities is also noteworthy. The company has committed to a net-zero carbon emissions target by 2035, which will be verified by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). 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 of wellbeing programmes, especially for those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, underline the company’s commitment to its people.

Notable ESG achievements have not gone unnoticed, earning Entain significant accolades. Among these is the highest level of accreditation from GamCare’s Safer Gambling Standard and the 2022 Socially Responsible Operator of the Year award from SBC.

Group CEO, Jette Nygaard-Andersen, commended on 2022 and 2023 initiatives: “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.”