UK Bookmakers Linked to Illegal Casino via SIS Deal

Leaked documents from the Curaçao gambling regulator reveal that Sports Information Services (SIS), a UK-based gambling content provider, signed a 2022 agreement with the Santeda online casino network. Under the deal, SIS provided live racing and esports data to Santeda in exchange for a percentage of revenues from losing bets. Santeda has been accused of illegally targeting vulnerable gamblers in the United Kingdom and was previously fined in Spain for operating without a license.

Three major UK bookmakers—Ladbrokes, William Hill, and Betfred—collectively own over 50% of SIS. Since the deal began, these firms received at least £37 million in dividends. Specifically, Entain, the owner of Ladbrokes, received approximately £8.5 million, while Evoke, the owner of William Hill, received more than £7 million. Fred Done, the billionaire owner of Betfred and a director of SIS, received nearly £3 million.

The discovery contradicts public warnings from these bookmakers to the UK government that stricter regulation or higher taxes would push customers toward illicit offshore markets. Entain and Evoke claim they were unaware of the specific arrangement. Entain stated that now the relationship has come to light, they take it very seriously and have raised concerns to SIS.