Bet365 nets new head of public affairs

Bet365 has hired former Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) comms executive Ursula Servis to be its new head of public affairs.

An experienced PR professional, Servis spearheaded the trade body’s public affairs arm since it launched officially in 2019.

Servis also occupied a dual role as public affairs manager for the Association of British Bookmakers (ABB) for six years, before it was wound down and absorbed into the BGC.

She has also worked for marketing communications consultancy Cicero Group and spent four years in consultancy-based roles at London-headquartered reputation management and marketing company Bell Pottinger.

In her new role, Servis will be responsible for promoting bet365’s public image as well as conducting market research on public opinion of the sports betting firm.

She will also monitor the effects of public policy changes on the organisation and will report into bet365 head of international development Jon Moss.

The appointment comes at a crucial time for the Stoke-headquartered online gambling giant, with the long-awaited review of the 2005 UK Gambling Act expected to lead to tougher restrictions for UK operators.

The UK government is likely to introduce restrictions on gambling sponsorship at football clubs, which could potentially affect bet365 and its public relationship with its wholly owned football club, Stoke City.

Bet365 serves as the club’s primary sponsor on both kit and stadium, with co-founder Peter Coates having served as club chairman and majority shareholder since 1986.