Sportingbet Plc

("Sportingbet" or the "Group")

Statement regarding Chairman - Update

Following the announcement made yesterday regarding the detention of Mr Peter Dicks, the Independent Non-Executive Chairman of Sportingbet Plc, the Board provides the following update and confirmation:

Mr Dicks was detained at JFK Airport, New York, by officers of the Port Authority of New York, whilst travelling from London to the on non-Sportingbet related business. Mr Dicks has since attended a hearing in New York City. At this hearing he was served with a warrant for his arrest initiated by the Louisiana State Police for the alleged violation of Louisiana State laws relating to gambling by computer (LA R.S. 14:90.3(E), Gambling by Computer).

The charge is levelled against Mr Dicks by name and a further hearing is expected next week.

The Group itself has not received correspondence from any authority regarding this or any related matter. The Company is closely monitoring the situation and will continue to operate as normal.