Harris Hagan > London, England > Firm Profile
Harris Hagan Offices
6 SNOW HILL
LONDON
EC1A 2AY
England
- Go to...
- Rankings
- Firm Profile
- Main Contacts
- Lawyer Profiles
- Solicitor Profiles
- Client Testimonials
- Comparative Guides
Harris Hagan > The Legal 500 Rankings
Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting Tier 1
Described as a ‘market leader in gaming law‘ Harris Hagan maintains a strong position in the market acting on big-ticket corporate transactions, Gambling Commission compliance investigations and licence reviews. The team is instructed by major land-based and online gambling businesses, start-ups, governments and trade associations. John Hagan
co-heads the practice and frequently contributes his licensing and regulatory expertise to transactional mandates. Fellow co-head Bahar Alaeddini is also General Counsel of the International Association of Gaming Advisors and co-chairs its Programme Committee. David Whyte frequently advises on enforcement action taken by the Gambling Commission, while Jessica Wilson is a key contact for US based operators and suppliers. Practice head(s):
John Hagan; Bahar Alaeddini
Other key lawyers:
Hilary Stewart-Jones; Julian Harris; David Whyte; Francesca Burnett-Hall; Jessica Wilson; Gemma Boore
Testimonials
‘The team is very knowledgeable about UK gambling laws and engaging with the regulator.’
‘The individuals at Harris Hagan have a deep knowledge of not just the British gambling laws, but also of the way in which the regulator operates.’
‘In-depth knowledge of gambling licensing in terms of regulations and how they are implemented.’
‘There’s no one else to go to other than Harris Hagan for everything gaming. One stop shop for all your needs. They deliver trust, confidence and integrity.’
‘Bahar Alaeddini and Jessica Wilson get full marks.’
‘Market leader in gaming law.’
‘John Hagan, Julian Harris and Bahar Alaeddini are prominent leaders in the gaming law field’
Work highlights
- Acting on numerous operating licence reviews of high-profile and international B2C gambling operators.
- Acting on numerous Commission compliance investigations
Harris Hagan > Firm Profile
Harris Hagan is the only specialist gambling and leisure law firm in the City of London.
The firm: ‘Absolutely the number one betting and gaming firm’ Harris Hagan is the only specialist gambling law firm in the City of London. The firm was established in 2004 and is driven by the long-term sustainability and success of the gambling and leisure industries it cherishes. Harris Hagan has the largest dedicated gambling legal and regulatory team in the UK. The firm offers unparalleled legal experience, knowledge and commercial understanding of the gambling industry. Harris Hagan understands not only the law associated with betting, gaming and lotteries, but the businesses behind it. It anticipates its clients’ compliance needs and provides pragmatic, commercial advice informed by a deep understanding of the gambling industry and the legal, political and regulatory environment. Harris Hagan does everything it can for its clients to achieve the best possible commercial, licensing and regulatory outcomes, drawing upon all our expertise and experience.
The firm’s business is gambling law, compliance and regulation. Harris Hagan views itself as a business within the gambling industry, which happens to be a law firm, rather than external advisors to the gambling industry. The firm’s future success and sustainability are inextricably intertwined with that of the gambling industry.
Harris Hagan’s clients’ needs are always at the heart of what it does. The firm achieves solutions to its short- term regulatory issues, whilst never losing sight of its longer-term reputation and commercial interests. This philosophy has allowed it to grow the firm into the largest dedicated gambling legal and regulatory team in UK private practice. Many of the world’s largest international gambling businesses rely on the firm to help them make the right decisions in a fast-changing and challenging gambling legal, regulatory and political environment. Harris Hagan combines expertise, experience and enthusiasm to solve its clients’ most complex challenges, wherever and whenever they arise.
The firm has a longstanding commitment to the industry, both operators and regulators, in the development of gambling law, legislative and regulatory policy and compliance through its work with the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA), the International Association of Gaming Regulators (IAGR), the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling (IGRG), GamCare and International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).
Work: The firm has unprecedented licensing experience having made an unequalled number of licence applications over many years to the Gambling Commission and its predecessor the Gaming Board for Great Britain for gambling licences for land-based and online clients. In particular, the firm is noted for its pre-eminence in advising on highly complex regulatory issues, including numerous Gambling Commission regulatory compliance and enforcement investigations and regulatory settlements. Advising leading gambling businesses on gambling licensing, regulation, compliance and enforcement is what we do all day, every day. Harris Hagan is heavily engaged in helping its clients to achieve licensing and regulatory compliance, and it defend its clients from regulatory enforcement action wherever necessary.
The firm is regularly engaged as part of mergers and acquisitions in the sector and advises on a wide range of commercial contracts. The firm has also advised overseas regulatory authorities and governments on the regulation of gambling and assisted with draft legislation.
Harris Hagan goes above and beyond pure legal advice by providing supplementary services to clients to assist them with staying abreast of legal and regulatory developments and priorities. The firm offers various training services with the aim of ensuring that personal licence holders, other key staff or a gambling business’ Board or Compliance Committee, understand the obligations and responsibilities that come with being licensed by the Gambling Commission.
International: Harris Hagan has an international reputation as trusted advisors to many of the world’s largest gambling and leisure operators and suppliers in all areas of land-based and online gambling, many of whom are listed on the London Stock Exchange, Nasdaq and New York Stock Exchange. The firm’s ability to provide a full service to the industry, together with its first-class track record, has been evidenced by the acquisition of major new international clients and the firm has been instructed on a number of important cross-border corporate and commercial transactions.
The firm’s lawyers speak regularly at international conferences and frequently contribute to specialist publications, including as editors of the Chambers Global Guide to Gaming Law. Julian Harris is a Past President of IAGA. John Hagan is a Trustee and former Deputy Chairman of GamCare, former Chairman of IGRG and a Past President of IAGA. Bahar Alaeddini is General Counsel of IAGA and Global Gaming Women. Hilary Stewart-Jones is a member of IAGA and IMGL and contributor to Smith and Monkcom: The Law of Gambling (Fourth Edition).
Clients: Harris Hagan’s clients include online gambling operators and suppliers, games developers, casinos, bookmakers, gambling equipment manufacturers, affiliates, social gaming operators, eSports operators, payment processors, start-ups, investors, financial institutions, charities, law firms and governmental organisations. The firm is frequently instructed by other leading City and overseas law firms and private equity firms, to provide specialist gambling and leisure expertise in relation to corporate transactions. The firm also undertakes licensing work for casinos, hotels, restaurants and bars.
Harris Hagan is committed to the continuous development of its core gambling practice whilst remaining at the forefront of advances in the gambling and leisure industry. In doing so, it has acquired some notable and fast maturing technology clients, particularly in the online gambling sector.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managing Partner | John Hagan | ||
| Partner | Bahar Alaeddini | ||
Lawyer Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Mr Chris Biggs | Associate Before making the move to the UK, Chris was admitted as… | View Profile |
|
Miss Gemma Boore | Senior Associate Before joining Harris Hagan in August 2022, Gemma worked in… | View Profile |
|
Francesca Burnett-Hall | Associate. | View Profile |
|
Hilary Stewart-Jones | Consultant Hilary is a consultant and advises many of the world’s largest… | View Profile |
|
Jessica Wilson | Associate | View Profile |
Solicitor Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Bahar Alaeddini | Partner | View Profile |
|
John Hagan | Managing Partner John co-founded Harris Hagan with Julian Harris in May 2004. … | View Profile |
|
Julian Harris | Consultant and Founder Julian co-founded Harris Hagan with John Hagan in May… | View Profile |
|
David Whyte | Partner Before joining Harris Hagan in September 2019 as a Senior Associate,… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Number of UK partners : 3 Number of other UK fee-earners : 8Client Testimonials
TESTIMONIAL: “A legal team who had a proven track record with the Gambling Commission. We found that in Harris Hagan. We have been pleased with both their professionalism as well as their personal side as it is always helpful to feel like you have a friend working alongside you who is as invested in your company and success as you are. We anticipate a long working relationship with Harris Hagan and would highly recommend them to any company looking to do gambling business in the UK.”
TESTIMONIAL: “We have used Harris Hagan as our gaming lawyers since the foundation of our company and I have personally worked with the firm for well over 10 years. They are the pre-eminent specialist legal advisers to the UK gaming industry and stand head and shoulders above the competition. The depth of their industry knowledge and their understanding of the regulatory environment and gaming law is unmatched and invariably results in reliable and accurate advice. I have also personally found them to be steadfast in their support during the times of difficulty that all businesses will sometimes experience.”
TESTIMONIAL: “Harris Hagan’s team boasts an in-depth knowledge not only of the law but also of policies, trends and solutions within the gaming industry, both land-based and online, and the quality of the firm’s clients stands as clear evidence of their capabilities. Harris Hagan provides consistently clear, practical and high-quality advice in an increasingly complicated regulatory environment, making it an undisputed leader in the field.”
TESTIMONIAL: “I rely on Harris Hagan for all of our gaming regulatory needs in the UK. Julian, John and Bahar are an incredible team. They are experts in the field, responsive and a pleasure to work with.”
TESTIMONIAL: “We work with Harris Hagan on our gambling compliance matters since we have found they are simply the best there is. We have always received constructive and balanced advice that has considered all the issues in a holistic and commercial manner from the obvious depth of expertise that they have. The underlying team and work ethic that delivers this is to be admired.”
TESTIMONIAL: “I’ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Harris Hagan over the past 6 years on many Compliance and Legal related matters. Harris Hagan is a highly effective and reputable firm whose knowledge, professionalism, and trustworthiness are unsurpassed. I enjoy working with their team and would recommend them to others”.
TESTIMONIAL: “Harris Hagan are the ‘go to’ expert UK law firm for gambling services in the remote and non-remote sector. They offer first class, transparent and concise advice on regulatory and commercial matters, suitable for existing or prospective operators”
TESTIMONIAL: It is always a true pleasure to work with Harris Hagan. They have an impressive high level knowledge re international gaming and gambling law and they combine this with a unique knowledge regarding the industry. This enables the team at Harris Hagan to advise their impressive bouquet of international clients in the best possible and efficient way. It is thus always an inspiration to work with Harris Hagan”.
TESTIMONIAL: “I have sought advice and guidance from the team at Harris Hagan, covering all manner of gambling related issues, since our company’s formation 15 years ago. At a time of ever increasing change in the regulatory landscape coupled with increased scrutiny by the Gambling Commission, Harris Hagan have provided us with unrivalled experience and expertise throughout. Compliance is a critical requirement for all gambling operators and I would, and often do, thoroughly recommend Harris Hagan to industry colleagues.”
TESTIMONIAL: “Harris Hagan have always been able to provide balanced advice based on sound legal analysis mixed with guidance gathered from its extensive contacts within the relevant regulatory body. The ability to gain valuable information on the thinking of a regulator should never be underestimated. Operators and suppliers do make mistakes but what is important is how the mistakes are handled with the regulator. Having Harris Hagan alongside you in difficult circumstances has proved great comfort, but it has also shown the right commitment to a regulator that the mistakes will be rectified correctly and in a timely fashion”.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “Harris Hagan are, in my opinion, the pre-eminent gaming/gambling law firm in the UK. John Hagan and Julian Harris are excellent operators with an unrivalled depth of experience, they have a superb team working with them and they are just great to work with. Everyone in the firm has a very practical, common-sense approach and their focus is always on finding solutions while working collaboratively with regulators and other third party stakeholders. I work with a lot of gambling/gaming lawyers globally and I can confidently say that Harris Hagan are among the best gaming/gambling law firms in the world”.
CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “Harris Hagan have advised nearly all of the various casino businesses I have been involved with since 2005. We have been on a long journey together, with some great times and some very challenging times (dealing with the pandemic, for example). Julian, John, Bahar and all the HH team have been a bedrock of support throughout, always professional and meticulous… that is, of course, exactly why Harris Hagan is, by a considerable distance, the leading adviser to our sector”.
CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “The betting and gambling industry has, and continues, to change at pace. Within this context, access to legal partners, with industry experience and expertise is a major key to success. Harris Hagan has provided [us], with unparalleled support, insight, training and representation. Its people, processes and services are of the highest order”.
CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “My investment fund clients and I rely on Harris Hagan for all of our gaming regulatory needs in the UK. Julian, John and Bahar are an incredible team. They are experts in the field, responsive and a pleasure to work with”.
CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “In an ever changing and developing industry, clients of all varieties require not just the expected factual and legal accuracy, but a keen sense of where the boundaries are potentially moving and the opportunities and threats that these bring. Harris Hagan have been in the forefront of this and are a ‘go to’ firm for advice and support across this complex, multi-jurisdictional environment”.
CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “Harris Hagan swiftly guided [us] through multiple regulatory approvals while also providing commercially focused counsel on operational matters that was crucial to [our] introduction to, and successful operations in, multiple European jurisdictions. Harris Hagan consistently exceeds its well-established reputation as a leading international regulatory firm”.
CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “Harris Hagan have continued to stand out among legal firms not only for the strength and depth of their expertise in gambling legislation and regulatory practice both domestically and overseas…but for their consistent and sustained commitment to helping make the industry more socially responsible…John Hagan’s work with the Industry Group for Responsible Gambling has been built on by the BGC, his involvement with Gamcare and his and other partners’ active thought leadership efforts… including on diversity have made a major and continuing contribution to improving the industry’s reputation and potential sustainability”.
CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “Crucially, they have an empathetic understanding of the operational issues…and are able not only to offer step by step guidance through the complex law and regulatory framework but also to understand and address the particular circumstances of each client and offer tailored, cost effective, workable and compliant solutions. It is this ability which sets them apart from other firms: they make it their business to understand their clients and their business environment…Advice is always clear, friendly and constructive; advice always demonstrates the highest integrity and reflects the firm’s deep commitment to the sector and to its proper and realistic regulation.
CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “The team at Harris Hagan have been supporting [us] on all regulatory and licensing matters since our beginnings in 2014. An incredibly professional, highly efficient, responsive, dedicated group of individuals, who are a pleasure to work with, but most importantly, a firm that we can, and do, always rely upon. Whether it’s applying for new licences, development and review of policies, dealing with operational challenges, Harris Hagan are always there at our side, a valued partnership that has played a significant role in the success of our business”.
CLIENT: CONFIDENTIAL
COMPANY/FIRM:
TESTIMONIAL: “We have received two sessions of PML training as a team and the information that has been communicated from Bahar and the Harris Hagan team has been invaluable, in terms of both a company, but also a personal understanding and appreciation of the responsibilities of being a PML holder for the GB Gambling Commission”
- Crime, fraud and licensing > Gaming and betting