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  1. Gaming and betting
  2. Leading individuals

The vastly experienced team at Berwin Leighton Paisner LLP recently advised software supplier Playtech on its bolt-on acquisition of Virtue Fusion, and also assisted SportBet PLC with its admission to the Official List. The ‘savvy’ and ‘practical’ Hilary Stewart-Jones is commended for her ‘in-depth regulatory knowledge’, and Stephen Ketteley is recognised as a ‘a real expert in the online gaming industry’.

Niche gambling firm Harris Hagan recently advised on the takeover and subsequent restructuring of Gala Coral. Valued for its ‘timely, but thorough’ approach, the team is led by Julian Harris and John Hagan, who can ‘communicate with clarity’.

Jeffrey Green Russell provides regulatory advice to companies seeking gaming licences in the EU, and recently acted for an international entertainment company in its acquisition of a UK casino group. The ‘consistently reliable’ Tony Coles heads the team.

The ‘competitively priced’ Joelson Wilson LLP is recognised for its ‘strong expertise in traditional gaming areas’, and continues to represent Grosvenor Casinos and The Global Draw. Suzanne Davies and her team recently advised British charity Afghan Heroes on two lottery initiatives. David Clifton is also recommended.

Memery Crystal LLP continues to act for betting giant Paddy Power plc in relation to its operations in the UK. The team, headed by the ‘highly respected’ Peter Wilson, was recently instructed by the Association of British Bookmakers on matters relating to the funding of grass-root sports.

A key matter for the team at Squire Sanders Hammonds was advising in relation to the launch of the Health Lottery, involving regulatory, tax and IP issues. ‘Exceptional strategist and negotiator’ Carl Rohsler leads the team.

Olswang provides ‘quality’ advice to large sports groups on regulatory matters, and gambling duty and other taxes. David Zeffman’s team assisted At The Races on its joint venture with Racing UK and the subsequent launch of GBI racing. The team saw the departure of Lisa Hoffman to client Sportech.

DLA Piper UK LLP continues to act for gambling clients on commercial and regulatory issues, with a particular focus on those operating in the remote gaming sector. Key highlights included advising the Sports Rights Owners Coalition and the British Horseracing Authority. Duncan Calow heads up the team.

The ‘strong team’ at K&L Gates recently acted for Sportech, and continues to advise Betfair on US gambling law, a field in which its lawyers are considered ‘thought leaders’. Key contact Warren Phelops is valued by clients for his ‘commitment to high legal standards’.

Mishcon de Reya’s ‘exceptionally reliable’ gaming practice recently advised a party involved in the Bwin/Party Gaming merger, and continues to assist PKR.com on IT, IP and corporate issues. Susan Breen is commended for her ‘tenacious’ approach and ‘deep industry knowledge’.

SJ Berwin LLP acts for a number of prominent bookmakers and gaming groups including Ladbrokes, which it recently advised on the sale of its Italian business; Bet365; and the Bookmakers’ Committee. EU competition and regulation partner Tom Usher heads the practice.

The ‘user-friendly’ team at Wiggin LLP acts for electronic betting and media clients, including Fremantle Media, GTECH G2, and Perform Group, on commercial and regulatory matters. The ‘reassuring’ and ‘well-connected’ Jason Chess is highly recommended.

Blake Lapthorn continues to undertake debt enforcement work for a number of casinos.

Fladgate LLP provides M&A advice to large bingo operators and entrepreneurs.

Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP’s ‘fantastically responsive’ team continues to act for casinos, bookmakers and online betting outfits.

Osborne Clarke’s gaming team, headed by Nick Johnson, has particular expertise in the online gaming and payments sector, and acted for UC group/Secure Trading in relation to a software development agreement.

The ‘commercially aware’ betting group at Pinsent Masons is led by the ‘unsurpassed’ Susan Biddle, who is considered a ‘fountain of knowledge’ in the area. The team advised William Hill on the outsourcing of its telephone-betting operation.

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Legal Developments in the UK

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