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Read Full BioFormer Manchester United player Ryan Giggs has been heavily criticized for a social media post encouraging women to play online casino games on International Women’s Day. Giggs is taking particular heat after facing accusations of coercive and controlling behaviour and assault of his ex-partner and her sister.
In an Instagram post, Giggs stated, “Happy Women’s Day. Today, we celebrate the strength, beauty, and achievements of women everywhere. To all the amazing women in our community, keep shining and inspiring us all.”
He finished the post by adding, “Don’t forget to have some fun and games at F168.”
F168 is an online gambling platform that particularly targets the Asian market. Giggs’ post translated his message into Vietnamese. The site’s website claims to be the leading online betting site in Vietnam. Vietnam, however, strictly forbids all forms of gambling, including land-based casinos and online betting.
In January, Vietnamese police arrested six people in a raid on a suspected online gambling ring that allegedly processed around $4 million worth of illegal bets.
Giggs Escaped Punishment After Alleged Abuse
Giggs was cleared of all charges in the alleged abuse of his former partner, Kate Greville, and her sister Emma Greville. Greville “indicated an unwillingness” to give evidence in a retrial, as giving evidence in the first one had “taken its toll” on her and her sister.
The first trial ended with the jury unable to reach a verdict. Giggs was accused of “losing control” and headbutting his ex-girlfriend and assaulting her sister by elbowing her in the jaw during a row at his home in Worsley, Greater Manchester, on November 1, 2020.
As the accusations became public, he was forced to resign as manager of the Wales national soccer team in June 2022. He has not had any roles in the sport since.
Giggs also made headlines with his previous relationships. It was discovered that he had an eight-year-long affair with his brother’s wife, Natasha Giggs. He also famously sought a privacy injunction to hide an affair with model Imogen Thomas.
He is now in a relationship with lingerie model Zara Charles, as shown in a recent Instagram photo of the couple on holiday in the French Alps.
UK Clamps Down on Promotion of Unlicensed Gambling
While F168 is licensed in the Isle of Man, it does not hold a UK betting license. The UK government has said it will tighten restrictions on the promotion of unlicensed gambling, prohibiting Premier League clubs from signing deals with companies.
It is unclear whether these measures would include a ban on former sports stars from promoting platforms. In addition to Giggs, F168’s site lists fellow soccer player Luis Suarez and snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan as ambassadors for the affiliated brand 789bet.
789bet also appears to primarily target Vietnam, with the site in Vietnamese.
