Date: 24.01.2025

by Adam Dworak

Sky Betting and Gaming Loses High Court Case Over Data Protection Violations

The High Court of England and Wales has ruled against Flutter Entertainment’s subsidiary, Bonne Terre Ltd, which operates as Sky Betting and Gaming, for breaching data protection laws by collecting customer data through cookies without proper consent.

Court Rules Against Sky Betting and Gaming

Sky Betting and Gaming was found to have violated UK data protection regulations by gathering user data without sufficient consent to send personalized direct marketing messages.

The lawsuit was filed by a customer who claimed that the operator exploited his gambling addiction by targeting him with promotional content between 2017 and 2019.

The claimant, who had lost over £45,000 over nearly a decade, argued that the company should have identified him as a problem gambler and refrained from using his data for targeted marketing.

The case further alleged that Sky Betting and Gaming unlawfully shared customer data with third parties.

Ravi Naik, a lawyer representing the claimant from the data rights agency AWO, commented on the ruling, stating: “Hopefully this judgment will reduce harm to vulnerable people by serving as a warning to online gambling companies.”

Operator Considers Appeal

In response to the ruling, Sky Betting and Gaming announced that it is evaluating its legal options, including a potential appeal.

The operator emphasized that it has since strengthened its internal controls and processes to ensure compliance with data protection standards and continues to invest in safer gambling initiatives.

The judge clarified that the ruling was based on the specific details of the case, suggesting that broader implications for the gambling industry may depend on further legal developments.

History of Data Breaches

This is not the first instance of regulatory scrutiny faced by Sky Betting and Gaming regarding data privacy.

In September 2023, the UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) reprimanded the operator for sharing personal customer data with advertising technology firms without proper consent.

Additionally, in 2022, the UK Gambling Commission imposed a £1.17 million fine on the company for sending promotional messages to self-excluded customers.