Q&A: Betway CEO Anthony Werkman on the media storm that hit Betway in Belgium
Werkman explains why Betway came under scrutiny in Belgium and why the operator is still committed to the market
Betway came under fire in the Belgian media recently with news outlets linking the operator to the Paradise Papers and demanding it be investigated by the Belgian Gaming Commission.
Betway’s partnerships with RSC Anderlecht, the Belgian FA and Pro League also came under scrutiny.
Below, Betway CEO Anthony Werkman explains how the controversy started, how it was blown out of proportion and why the operator is still committed to the market.
Is Betway currently being scrutinised in Belgium, and if so, what for?
AW: “Recent inaccurate media allegations from Belgium erroneously linked Betway with two Swedish poker players, Jonas Ödman and Patrik Selin, who were mentioned in the Paradise Papers in relation to their financial activities.
“The pair were the founders of Malta-based gambling company Gnuf Limited, which was acquired by the current shareholders of Betway back in 2011- neither of these people has had any connection to Betway since that acquisition took place.
“We have been in touch with the Belgian Gaming Commission and our Belgian partners, including Casinos Austria International Belgium, RSC Anderlecht and the Belgian FA and Pro League to reiterate this point.
“As the BGC is duty bound to look into any allegations raised in relation to licensees, it is a matter of routine that we are in discussions with them to draw this matter to a conclusion.”
Is Betway expecting anything to change in regards to its sponsorship of Belgian football teams and tournaments?
AW: “No, we have multi-year sponsorship deals in place, which both ourselves and our partners are very happy with, and we look forward to working together going forward.
“We also continue to assess other marketing and sponsorship opportunities in Belgium as they arise.”
Is Betway facing similar scrutiny in other European markets?
AW: “No, we are not- over the last three years we have experienced substantial growth in a number of markets.
“That growth has been based on responsible principles and we pride ourselves in leading the industry with that approach for consumers and regulators alike.
“Betway employs more than 1,000 people around the world, we hold a number of licences in regulated markets and continue to expand our brand presence globally.”