SBC News Voice of the Sports Betting Industry
Genius Sports has confirmed that it will no longer continue commercial operations in Russia and Belarus, as a result of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Russia’s unprovoked invasion of its western neighbour has prompted widespread international criticism, including from the public, political and business areas.
By calling an end to its Russian operations – as well as activities in Belarus, a key Russian ally and supporter of the country’s military actions – NYSE-listed sports data and tech firm Genius has become the latest major betting industry player to take a stand against the war.
“Genius Sports confirms that as a result of the events in Ukraine we are ceasing all commercial operations in Russia and Belarus,” the statement read.
“At all times our priority remains ensuring the safety and well-being of our colleagues, their families and loved ones in the region. Our thoughts are with the Ukrainian people #standwithukraine.”
Wider cross-industry condemnation of the war has seen Genius’ fellow sports data company Statscore, a Polish enterprise, state that it would no longer supply statistics or updates from Russian or Belorussian sports tournaments to its operator partners such as BoyleSports.
Meanwhile, the European Lotteries (EL) has called on its members to suspend the membership of any Russian or Belorrussian lottery providers and cease allowing bets on matches from the country – a move also taken by LeoVegas.
Kyiv-founded Parimatch has also withdrawn its Russian franchise in protest, bet365 has called an end to its operations in the country – although without issuing a statement making its reasoning clear – and KKCG Group and Allwyn have penned a joint letter opposing the conflict.
Lastly, the Gaming Industry for Ukraine initiative has set out to raise £250,000 to support Choose Love’s Ukraine Crisis Fundraiser, with the goal of providing assistance to the Ukrainian public during the conflict as a refugee crisis continues to escalate.
Russia’s invasion has received substantial international criticism, with world leaders imposing a range of sanctions against the country, and the majority of its banks have now been removed from the Swift global financial messaging network.
