Exclusive: Entain looks to clamp down on ‘parasitic’ matched betting
Summary
Entain has launched High Court proceedings against Liquidity Trading Limited, the operator behind Outplayed and OddsMonkey, alleging unauthorised use of Entain brands and describing the matched‑betting business model as “parasitic.” The operator says matched‑betting sites are using branding from Coral, Ladbrokes, bwin, Gala and Foxy Bingo across dashboards and marketing, while promoting matched betting as a risk‑free way to make money — a claim Entain says undermines its safer‑gambling efforts and can be linked to financial and psychological harm.
Entain is seeking an injunction to stop the alleged infringement, the destruction of infringing material, financial damages and other remedies. Liquidity Trading has denied infringement; its defence is due in October. The dispute follows formal letters sent by Entain in February and July and represents a significant legal escalation against the matched‑betting sector.
Key Points
- Entain alleges trademark infringement by Liquidity Trading (Outplayed/OddsMonkey) through unauthorised use of Entain brands.
- Entain labels the matched‑betting model “parasitic” and argues sites promote gambling as risk‑free, undermining responsible gambling messaging.
- Regulatory and industry concerns include misleading advertising, targeting vulnerable groups (eg. parents on maternity leave) and encouragement of bonus abuse.
- Timeline: Entain sent letters on 11 Feb and 30 Jul, filed Particulars of Claim; the defendant’s formal defence is due in October.
- Entain seeks injunctions, destruction of materials and damages — this is framed as the industry’s first major legal salvo against matched‑betting providers.
Context and relevance
This case could be a bellwether for iGaming, affiliates and regulators. If Entain succeeds it may force matched‑betting services to change how they reference operator brands, how they advertise offers and how regulators view affiliate marketing and bonus abuse. It sits at the intersection of trademark law, safer‑gambling obligations and affiliate behaviour — all hot topics in UK and Gibraltar markets.
Why should I read this?
Short and sharp: a major operator is taking legal action that could reshape how matched‑betting outfits operate and promote offers. If you work in iGaming, compliance, affiliate marketing or regulation, this could affect your contracts, marketing practises and risk exposure — so give it a quick read.
Source
Source: https://next.io/news/betting/entain-clamp-down-parasitic-matched-betting/