Competency/ technical questions Flashcards
What are the competencies/ behaviours required in this role?
- project management
- communication skills
- stakeholder engagement
- research skills
- collaboration and teamwork
- attention to detail
- organisational skills
- network abilities
Describe a project you managed from start to finish, what were the key challenges, and how did you overcome them?
Situation: “At Sky Betting and Gaming, we wanted to optimize our price boost strategy for in-play markets. Our standard two-ladder boost approach might not have been the most profitable for higher-priced odds. I was tasked with researching this.”
Task: “My task was to design a trial to test a one-ladder boost strategy for higher odds, analyze the results, and present my findings and recommendations to the combined In-Play, Pre-Live, and Operations teams.”
Action: “I designed and executed a trial, collecting and analyzing betting data for higher-priced markets using the one-ladder boost. I used Excel to visualize the data and created a presentation highlighting profitability differences between one-ladder and two-ladder boosts for various price ranges. I focused on clear, concise language and visuals, avoiding jargon, to ensure everyone understood my recommendations.”
Result: “The presentation was well-received, and my recommendation to use a tiered boost strategy (one ladder for odds above 10/1, two ladders below) was implemented for a 1 month trial period so we could further assess the validity of my findings in this project. This improved my presentation and data communication skills, and demonstrated my analytical and proactive approach.”
Tell me about a time you had to manage multiple projects simultaneously. How did you prioritise and ensure deadlines were met?
Situation: While pursuing my PPE degree, I also worked 20+ hours weekly as a at Sky. Both roles had strict deadlines and Situation: “While pursuing my PPE degree, I worked 20+ hours weekly at Sky. A particularly challenging period arose with a 10,000-word dissertation, a 2,000-word essay, and a 4,000-word essay all due within two weeks, alongside my Sky work.”
Task: “My task was to complete all assignments to a high standard and maintain work performance, managing the intense workload and tight deadlines.”
Action:
Created a detailed schedule, breaking down each assignment into smaller tasks with mini-deadlines.
Prioritized tasks by complexity and deadline proximity, allocating more time to the dissertation.
Outlined essay arguments and scheduled specific writing blocks.
Integrated the study schedule with my Sky work schedule, clearly defining work, study, and break times.
Used online calendars and to-do lists to track progress and set reminders.
Result: “Despite the pressure, I successfully completed all assignments to a high standard, achieving first class and upper secon class grades in all of them, and maintained my Sky work performance. This experience significantly strengthened my organizational skills, ability to work under pressure, and capacity to manage multiple priorities. It reinforced the importance of proactive planning, time management, and communication—valuable skills in any professional setting.
How would you approach researching and responding to a government consultation on betting and gaming regulations?
First understand the Consultation Scope: I would start by thoroughly reviewing the consultation document to identify key questions, objectives, and deadlines.
Engage internal stakeholders: I would collaborate with internal stakeholders to gather insights and data. For example, I’d work with the team to highlight the effectiveness of Entain’s ARC system in promoting safer gambling and reducing harm.
Conduct External Research: I would review relevant academic studies, industry reports, and regulatory frameworks to strengthen our response with credible evidence.
Engage external Stakeholders: I would seek input from external stakeholders to ensure the response reflects broader industry perspectives and strengthens our position.
Draft a Clear and Concise Response: Using the consultation’s structure, I would draft a response that is evidence-based, solution-oriented, and aligned with Entain’s values.
Give an example of a time you had to deliver a presentation or speak to a group of people?
Situation: “At Sky Betting and Gaming, we wanted to optimize our price boost strategy for in-play markets. Our standard two-ladder boost approach might not have been the most profitable for higher-priced odds. I was tasked with researching this.”
Task: “My task was to design a trial to test a one-ladder boost strategy for higher odds, analyze the results, and present my findings and recommendations to the combined In-Play, Pre-Live, and Operations teams.”
Action: “I designed and executed a trial, collecting and analyzing betting data for higher-priced markets using the one-ladder boost. I used Excel to visualize the data and created a presentation highlighting profitability differences between one-ladder and two-ladder boosts for various price ranges. I focused on clear, concise language and visuals, avoiding jargon, to ensure everyone understood my recommendations.”
Result: “The presentation was well-received, and my recommendation to use a tiered boost strategy (one ladder for odds above 12/1, two ladders below) was implemented. This improved my presentation and data communication skills, and demonstrated my analytical and proactive approach.”
How do you tailor your communication style to different audiences?
Situation: During two years in Hong Kong and six months backpacking and volunteering in Latin America, I interacted daily with people from diverse cultural, linguistic, and professional backgrounds. Effective communication was essential for building relationships and achieving goals. Task: I needed to adapt my communication style to suit different cultural norms, values, and preferences, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach.
Action:
- Practiced empathetic listening and observed verbal and non-verbal cues.
- Adapted to indirect communication in Hong Kong and expressive, relationship-focused styles in Latin America.
- Asked clarifying questions and admitted when I didn’t understand cultural nuances.
- Incorporated effective communication techniques I observed from others.
Result: These experiences taught me the importance of tailoring communication to create genuine connections, a skill I now apply in all areas of my life.
Question: How would you build and maintain relationships with MPs, regulators, and other stakeholders?
Research & Targeting:
My approach to stakeholder engagement begins with in-depth research to understand each individual’s priorities, be they player protection, economic impact, or community development. This knowledge informs all subsequent interactions.
Targeted Communication:
Instead of generic updates, I provide tailored briefings on initiatives like ARC, highlighting the data and insights most relevant to each stakeholder group. For regulators, I’d emphasize ARC’s effectiveness and regulatory compliance. For MPs, I’d focus on community impact.
Meaningful Engagement:
I’d organize impactful MP visits showcasing Entain’s community contributions and safer gambling practices, allowing direct interaction with staff and initiatives. I’d add value in every interaction, sharing research, responding to consultations with data-driven arguments, and providing information for economic impact reports.
Transparency & Collaboration:
Openly acknowledging challenges and sharing our improvement efforts builds trust. I’d actively participate in industry events and forums, fostering dialogue and collaboration.
Relationship Management:
Meticulous record-keeping ensures consistent communication, timely follow-ups, and fulfilled commitments, building long-term trust and strong relationships.
Question: Can you explain your understanding of public affairs and its importance in the betting and gaming industry?
Public affairs involves building relationships with policymakers, regulators, and stakeholders to shape the legislative and regulatory environment. In the betting and gaming industry, it ensures the sector is understood and regulated in a way that balances business growth with player protection and social responsibility.
For Entain, public affairs is vital due to the dynamic regulatory landscape, including the UK’s Gambling Act Review and varying European regulations. Proactive engagement with policymakers is essential to advocate for evidence-based policies that support a fair, sustainable market.
Question: Describe a time when you successfully managed a relationship with a key stakeholder. What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
Situation:
“I was working on a project to optimize Sky Betting and Gaming’s boost strategy. The goal was to determine if we could consolidate our boosting ladders (the number of price points we boost by) from two ladders down to one for higher-value bets above 10/1. This had the potential to significantly increase profitability. My supervisor had approved the project, but the team’s manager, upon hearing about it, expressed reservations. While this disagreement didn’t damage our relationship, it was clear we had differing opinions on the project’s viability.”
Task:
“My task was twofold: first, to successfully execute the project and demonstrate its potential benefits; and second, to manage my relationship with the team manager, addressing his concerns and gaining his support. It was crucial to maintain a positive working relationship while also advocating for the project I believed in.”
Action:
“I took several key steps to address the manager’s reservations and build a stronger working relationship. First, I scheduled a meeting with him to discuss the project in detail. I clearly outlined the aims of the project, the potential financial benefits of consolidating the boosting ladders, and the methodology I planned to use for a trial period. I listened carefully to his concerns and addressed each one with data and reasoned arguments. I emphasized the importance of a trial period to gather concrete evidence of the project’s success or failure, minimizing the risk.
Throughout the trial, I made sure to provide him with regular updates on the project’s progress. I shared key metrics, insights, and any challenges encountered. This transparency helped to keep him informed and reduced his reservations. Finally, after the initial trial period, I created a comprehensive presentation for him and several other members of the senior leadership team. The presentation detailed the trial’s results, demonstrating the positive impact of the consolidated boosting ladder on profitability.”
Result:
“The presentation was very well received. The senior leadership team, including the manager who had initially been hesitant, were deeply impressed with the results. They agreed to extend the trial by another month to gather even more data and insights. Ultimately, the project was deemed a success. Not only did it demonstrate the potential for increased profitability, but it also significantly improved my relationship with the team manager. By proactively addressing his concerns, keeping him informed, and delivering tangible results, I was able to build trust and mutual respect. We developed a better understanding of each other’s working styles and perspectives, which strengthened our overall working relationship.”
Describe a time you had to conduct in-depth research on a complex topic.
Task: For my undergraduate dissertation, I researched the legality of Tony Blair’s decision to intervene in Iraq in 2003 without a second UN Security Council resolution. A key part of this involved analyzing the 2.6 million-word Chilcot Report, alongside legal journals, government documents, and academic articles - extracting arguments and evidence from this vast volume of information.
Action: I developed a systematic approach:
Used the report’s index and table of contents to identify relevant sections.
Conducted keyword searches (e.g., “legality,” “UN Security Council”) in the digital version.
Created a detailed spreadsheet to log and categorize findings by section, quote, and relevance.
Focused on the executive summary and sections related to legal advice and decision-making.
Cross-referenced findings with other sources, such as legal opinions and news reports, to ensure a balanced perspective.
Result: This approach allowed me to efficiently extract and synthesize key information. My dissertation was praised for its thorough research and clear analysis. The process enhanced my research skills, particularly in analyzing complex documents, identifying relevant information, and structuring coherent arguments.
Tell me about a time you had to work as part of a team to achieve a goal.
Situation: “At Sky Betting & Gaming, a critical live event feed outage went unnoticed for 20 minutes, leading to incorrect odds and bets. This created significant financial and reputational risks.”
Task: “As part of a five-person trading team, our task was to identify and rectify incorrect bets and prices. We needed to coordinate closely with Operations (to void bets) and Risk (to address exploitative customers) to minimize losses.”
Action: “I played a key role in facilitating communication within our team and with the other departments. I established a clear communication protocol on our shared channel, ensuring all flagged discrepancies were logged and prioritized effectively. Beyond focusing on my assigned games, I proactively cross-checked my colleagues’ work, identifying several additional discrepancies they might have missed due to the sheer volume of data. I also took the lead in coordinating information flow between our team and the Operations and Risk teams, ensuring they received timely and accurate details on flagged bets and accounts. I helped create a shared document to track progress across all teams. Recognizing the need for speed, I proposed a system for prioritizing games based on bet volume and potential liability, which the team quickly adopted. We all stayed late, supporting each other and double-checking work to maintain accuracy under pressure.”
Result: “Our teamwork and coordinated efforts, with my focus on streamlined communication and proactive cross-checking, saved the company an estimated £400,000. This highlighted the power of clear communication, proactive collaboration, and swift action in high-pressure situations, as well as the value of cross-team efforts.”
Describe your understanding of the legislative process in the UK.
The UK’s law-making process starts with a proposed law (a Bill) going through the House of Commons. It’s debated, tweaked, and voted on multiple times. Then it goes through the same process in the House of Lords. If they disagree, it goes back and forth (“ping-pong”) until they agree. Finally, the Monarch approves it (Royal Assent), and it becomes law (an Act of Parliament). This system makes sure laws are carefully reviewed before being passed.
How would you stay up-to-date on changes in the political and regulatory landscape that may impact Entain?
- monitoring government publications (e.g., UK Gambling Commission, DCMS),
- following industry news (e.g., Gambling Insider, iGaming Business),
- engaging with trade bodies like the Betting and Gaming Council.
- I also use social media and Google Alerts to track real-time updates and attend industry events to network with stakeholders.
- Additionally, I collaborate with internal teams to understand how changes might impact Entain’s operations.
Question: Can you provide an example of a briefing or report you’ve written? What was the outcome?
Situation: During my university studies, I wrote several policy briefs on topics such as David Cameron’s relations with Jamaica and political upheaval in Burkina Faso as part of my Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) degree.
Task: My goal was to produce concise, well-researched briefs that clearly communicated complex issues and provided actionable recommendations for policymakers.
Action: I began by conducting thorough research using academic journals, government reports, and credible news sources. I structured each brief with a clear problem statement, analysis of key factors, and evidence-based recommendations. I focused on making the content accessible and impactful, using clear language and visual aids like graphs or tables where appropriate.
Result: My policy briefs received several first-class and upper-second-class grades, with feedback praising their clarity, depth of analysis, and practical recommendations.
Question: What do you know about the current legislative and regulatory landscape for betting and gaming in the UK and Europe?
- The UK and European betting and gaming landscape focuses on player protection and responsible gambling.
- In the UK, the Gambling Act 2005 underpins regulation, with reforms like the Gambling Act Review White Paper proposing stricter affordability checks, stake limits, and advertising rules.
- The UK Gambling Commission enforces these, increasingly using AI to monitor risks.
- In Europe, regulations vary but trend toward harmonization and stricter controls.
- data protection is becoming more important, with recent situation where data was leaking to meta without permission a big problem
- Overall, the industry is moving toward greater regulation, emphasizing sustainability, transparency, and consumer protection.
Question: How would you promote Entain’s player protection measures to stakeholders?
“My approach to promoting Entain’s player protection measures centers on demonstrating our proactive, evidence-led commitment to responsible gambling, tailored to each stakeholder group.
For regulators and policymakers, I’d showcase the robustness of our ARC system, explaining how its AI-driven, real-time interventions personalize support for at-risk players. I’d present data validating its effectiveness and emphasize our collaborative approach to strengthening player protection frameworks.
With investors, I’d frame player protection as a driver of long-term sustainability and brand reputation. I’d highlight our research partnerships (like Harvard and UNLV) and the Entain Foundation’s work, demonstrating our commitment goes beyond rhetoric. I’d present data linking responsible gambling initiatives to positive business outcomes.
For customers, I’d promote our accessible player protection tools through clear, user-friendly channels, emphasizing practical benefits like deposit limits and support resources. Transparency and data privacy would be paramount.
With community groups, I’d prioritize trust-building through open dialogue and active participation in industry events. I’d be transparent about challenges and highlight our support for research and responsible gambling initiatives via the Entain Foundation.
For employees, I’d ensure thorough training on player protection policies, empowering them to identify and assist at-risk players, fostering a company-wide culture of responsibility.
Across all stakeholders, I’d tailor messaging, use diverse communication channels, and, most importantly, demonstrate through concrete actions and data that Entain’s commitment to player protection is genuine.”
Question: What do you think are the biggest challenges in addressing problem gambling, and how would you approach them?
- One of the biggest challenges in addressing problem gambling is early identification of at-risk individuals, as many don’t seek help until issues escalate. I’d advocate for proactive measures like Entain’s ARC system, shifting from reactive to proactive protection.
- Another challenge is balancing player protection with customer experience. Stricter affordability checks or stake limits, though necessary, can feel intrusive.
- Finally, combating the black market is critical. Overly restrictive regulations risk driving players to unlicensed operators.
Question: Describe a time when you had to work with a difficult team member. How did you handle the situation?
Situation: During a university economics group project, one team member was unresponsive, passive, and not contributing, risking the project’s success and team cohesion.
Task: I needed to address the issue constructively, motivating the individual without escalating tensions, to ensure the project was completed on time and to a high standard.
Action: I took a proactive, empathetic approach, reaching out privately to understand his challenges. I framed the work as beneficial to his learning and grade, broke tasks into manageable steps, and offered support. I also communicated with the team to prevent resentment.
Result: He became more engaged, completed his tasks, and we submitted a high-quality project on time. This experience strengthened my conflict-resolution, adaptability, and team-management skills.
Question: How would you approach coordinating public affairs projects across multiple European countries with different regulatory environments?
Coordinating public affairs projects across multiple European countries requires a strategic, adaptable, and collaborative approach. Here’s how I would approach it:
Understand Local Contexts: I would begin by thoroughly researching each country’s regulatory frameworks, political landscapes, and key stakeholders. This ensures our strategies are tailored to local priorities, such as player protection in Germany or advertising restrictions in the Netherlands.
Develop a Central Strategy: While respecting local differences, I would create a central strategy aligned with Entain’s global goals, such as promoting safer gambling and sustainability. This strategy would provide a consistent framework but allow flexibility for regional adaptations.
Leverage Local Expertise: I would collaborate closely with Entain’s local teams, external public affairs agencies, and trade bodies to ensure our initiatives are culturally and politically relevant. For example, I’d work with local experts to adapt messaging around our ARC system to resonate with each market’s regulatory priorities.
Communicate Internally: I would provide regular updates to senior stakeholders, ensuring alignment on progress, challenges, and opportunities across Europe. This keeps everyone informed and supports decision-making at the highest level.
By combining local adaptability with global consistency, I would ensure Entain’s public affairs projects effectively navigate diverse regulatory environments while advancing our mission of responsible and sustainable growth.
tell me about a time when you failed? (want to demonstrate resilience)
Situation: “My proudest achievement stemmed from a major setback. During A-levels, algorithm-based grading due to the pandemic drastically downgraded me—four times lower than predicted, the worst in my school. This meant I missed university entry requirements. It felt like years of work were invalidated, though the downgrading was out of my control.”
Task: “While deeply disappointed, I refused to accept this injustice. My task was to challenge the system and raise awareness, ensuring other students wouldn’t suffer similar unfairness.”
Action: “I immediately contacted my local MP and, through a connection, spoke directly with the Education Secretary. Recognizing the power of public awareness, I collaborated with my head teacher and shared my story on local radio, highlighting the unfairness and emotional toll. I connected with other affected students, sharing information and resources. I channeled my frustration into action, using every avenue to make my voice heard.”
Result: “Combined pressure from students, parents, schools, and media, including my efforts, led to the government overturning the algorithm grades and reverting to teacher predictions. I secured my place at my first-choice university. While the initial setback was devastating, I’m proud of my response. Instead of giving up, I became an advocate. This taught me resilience, perseverance, and the power of speaking up against injustice. It wasn’t just about university; it was about standing up for what’s right.
tell me about your proudest accomplishment? (more interested in the hurdle you overcame and what it took to get there than the actual accomplishment itself) - this one can also be about a time I have failed
Situation: “My proudest achievement stemmed from a major setback. During A-levels, algorithm-based grading due to the pandemic drastically downgraded me—four times lower than predicted, the worst in my school. This meant I missed university entry requirements. It felt like years of work were invalidated, though the downgrading was out of my control.”
Task: “While deeply disappointed, I refused to accept this injustice. My task was to challenge the system and raise awareness, ensuring other students wouldn’t suffer similar unfairness.”
Action: “I immediately contacted my local MP and, through a connection, spoke directly with the Education Secretary. Recognizing the power of public awareness, I collaborated with my head teacher and shared my story on local radio, highlighting the unfairness and emotional toll. I connected with other affected students, sharing information and resources. I channeled my frustration into action, using every avenue to make my voice heard.”
Result: “Combined pressure from students, parents, schools, and media, including my efforts, led to the government overturning the algorithm grades and reverting to teacher predictions. I secured my place at my first-choice university. While the initial setback was devastating, I’m proud of my response. Instead of giving up, I became an advocate. This taught me resilience, perseverance, and the power of speaking up against injustice. It wasn’t just about university; it was about standing up for what’s right.
tell me about a time you had to influence a group of people a certain objective or goal?
At Sky Betting and Gaming, senior leadership was considering canceling our subscription to a player statistics website, a valuable tool for our trading team, due to budget concerns.”
Task: “My manager tasked me with convincing them to renew the subscription. I needed to demonstrate its value beyond cost, focusing on its impact on our team’s productivity and effectiveness.”
Action: “I surveyed the trading team, asking three questions: (1) Did they use the website? (2) Would its removal impact productivity? (3) Why or why not? I compiled the responses, quantifying the data (e.g., “80% of traders use it daily”). I created a presentation for my manager, summarizing the survey, highlighting the website’s positive impact on efficiency, bet narrative generation, and data-driven decisions. I included specific examples of how the website had helped identify profitable betting opportunities.”
Result: “My manager was convinced by the data and presented it to senior leadership, who then renewed the subscription. This demonstrated the power of data-driven influence and proactive problem-solving to protect valuable team resources.
Tell me about a time when you made a mistake/ when you failed to meet a deadline?
Situation: “Early in my university career, I made a mistake related to time management. When I started my part-time job alongside my studies, I significantly overestimated my ability to juggle both commitments effectively. I underestimated the combined workload and how much time each required. As a result, I missed a deadline for a coursework assignment.”
Task: “My task was to rectify the situation with my tutor and, more importantly, develop a sustainable time management strategy to prevent similar issues in the future.”
Action: “I immediately apologized to my tutor, explained the situation honestly, and took full responsibility for my oversight. This experience was a wake-up call. I realized I needed a more structured approach to managing my time. I began researching effective time management techniques and implemented a system of time blocking, allocating specific slots for work, study, and personal commitments.”
Result: “By implementing these strategies, I significantly improved my time management skills. I not only successfully completed the course but also never missed another deadline throughout my university career. This experience taught me the importance of realistic planning, prioritizing tasks, and proactively managing my time.”
tell me about a time you showed leadership?
At Sky Betting & Gaming, we saw an opportunity to optimize our in-play price boost strategy, especially for higher odds. The standard two-ladder boost might not have been maximizing profitability. I recognized this opportunity and proactively proposed a project to explore alternatives.”
Task: “I took ownership of leading this project. My task was to design and execute a trial testing a one-ladder boost strategy for higher odds, analyze the results, and present actionable recommendations to the combined In-Play, Pre-Live, and Operations teams. My leadership challenge was to drive the initiative forward, ensuring collaboration and buy-in from these diverse teams.”
Action: “I initiated the project by designing the trial and coordinating data collection and analysis with colleagues. I leveraged Excel to visualize the data and created a clear, jargon-free presentation to communicate my findings. Crucially, I facilitated open discussions with team members, actively soliciting input and feedback to refine the strategy. I fostered a collaborative environment, ensuring everyone felt heard and invested in the project’s success.”
Result: “My presentation was well-received, and my recommended tiered boost strategy (one ladder above 10/1, two ladders below) was approved for a one-month trial. This initiative not only improved profitability but also demonstrated my leadership in identifying opportunities, driving projects forward, and building consensus across teams. It also showcased my analytical and communication skills.”
leadership mentee story?
Situation: “At Sky Betting & Gaming, my underperforming mentee was resentful of the mentoring arrangement, initially distrustful and resistant.”
Task: “My task was to build trust and address the root cause of his underperformance.”
Action: “I focused on building rapport, actively listening to his concerns, and validating his feelings. I shared my own similar early-career challenges and emphasized mentoring as a supportive partnership.”
Result: “Over time, trust developed. He opened up, and we collaboratively developed a plan to address his skill gaps. His performance improved significantly. This taught me the importance of empathy and genuine connection in mentorship. - importance of building that relationship before the business and work can start
what are greatest threats and opportunities for entain in the sector?
Risks
Regulatory scrutiny: The betting and gaming industry is heavily regulated, and companies face the risk of increased scrutiny and stricter regulations, which can impact their operations and profitability.
Problem gambling: The industry faces challenges related to problem gambling and addiction, which can lead to reputational damage and legal issues. - eg. data leaks to meta.
Competition: The betting and gaming sector is highly competitive, with both established players and new entrants vying for market share.
Opportunities
Online growth: The online betting and gaming market is expanding rapidly, providing companies with opportunities to reach a wider audience and increase their revenue.
Technological innovation: Companies can leverage new technologies like virtual reality and augmented reality to enhance the gaming experience and attract new customers.
Sports betting legalization: The legalization of sports betting in various regions presents a significant growth opportunity for the industry.
Esports: The growing popularity of esports provides a new avenue for betting and gaming companies to engage with a younger demographic.
