Firms To Watch: Gaming and betting

In September 2023, Irwin Mitchell took on a team of regulatory lawyers from Ince & Co, acquiring a group with a 'depth of gaming industry knowledge, derived from collective decades of experience'. Key names include Philip Somarakis, who has joined as national head of regulatory, experienced senior associate Andrew Cotton, a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law, and Julie Dao, who has a focus on anti-money laundering compliance.
Led by M&A expert Tony Downes , who joined from Proskauer Rose LLP  in 2022, Sidley Austin LLP specialises in corporate and commercial matters in the betting and gaming sector.

Gaming and betting in London

Bird & Bird LLP

The ‘pragmatic, commercial and knowledgeable’ team at Bird & Bird LLP pulls together a strong offering with licensing and regulatory mandates, work related to acquisitions and major sponsorship deals standing out as recent areas of activity for the firm. Rated by clients as ‘one of the leaders in the UK gaming law space‘, Andy Danson heads up the practice, and is currently leveraging his commercial and regulatory know-how to guide Allwyn through the transition process as the company prepares to become the UK National Lottery operator in February 2024. Elizabeth Dunn‘s broad practice extends to advising on gambling sponsorship arrangements. Robert Turner is an authority on international wagering rights agreements. Lucy Paterson, who joined from Harris Hagan in August 2022, further contributes to the collective licensing expertise at the practice.

Practice head(s):

Andy Danson


Other key lawyers:

Elizabeth Dunn; Robert Turner; Lucy Paterson


Testimonials

‘They do what it says on the tin. No gimmicks, no fads, just sensible, pragmatic and professional.’

‘The level and depth of knowledge and network of experts they are able to draw on to ensure clients are supported at every level.’

‘The team are well equipped to help clients navigate through complex gambling legal and regulatory frameworks, whilst at the same time remaining commercially astute.’

‘I have only had the pleasure of working with Andy Danson and Elizabeth Dunn from the team. Both are an absolute delight to work with.’

‘Andy Danson is one of the leaders in the UK gaming law space. He has first-rate client service skills, and is responsive and thoughtful.’

‘The team is pragmatic, commercial and knowledgeable about our business and way of working.’

 

Key clients

Allwyn


Flutter


888


William Hill


Kambi


Stronach group


Metric Gaming


White Hat Gaming


TT Bond Partners


DAZN Bet


Arsenal FC


Mob Inc


Work highlights


  • Advising Allwyn on the transition process of migration from Camelot to Allwyn in February 2024.
  • Advised William Hill on commercial contracts and regulatory matters and on the implementation of new UK rules concerning advertising of ‘strong appeal’ to children.
  • Advised TT Bond Partners in respect of a prospective takeover offer for Playtech Plc, which involved gambling due diligence.

CMS

Noted for its capabilities in online gaming, CMS leverages its ‘deep industry knowledge‘ in areas such as regulatory investigations, M&A and employment litigation. The team is well regarded for its regulatory and day-to-day operational expertise. David Zeffman oversees the practice; his varied case load includes advice on regulatory compliance considerations for the skill-based mobile games. Rob Willis acts on a range of corporate matters including fundraisings and corporate reorganisations. Willis’ colleague Stephen Hignett frequently contributes his tax expertise in both contentious and non-contentious situations. Contractual and media related matters for the gambling industry fall within Tamsin Blow‘s areas of expertise. Anna Soilleux-Mills excels in gambling regulatory mandates, while Alasdair Lamb is a key contact for B2B games suppliers and platform providers.

Practice head(s):

David Zeffman


Other key lawyers:

Rob Wills; Stephen Hignett; Anna Soilleux-Mills; Tamsin Blow; Alasdair Lamb


Testimonials

‘The team project manage difficult projects well and drill down to the key issues to be addressed. Where any uncertainty exists, they seek clarity to ensure that the client has a clear understanding of the relevant issue.’

‘We have found that all members of the team are very competent, ranging from David Zeffman and Anna Soulleux-Mills to Alasdair Lamb.’

‘CMS provides pragmatic advice for multi-jurisdiction gaming transactions. They have deep industry knowledge and are very responsive to client concerns.’

Key clients

888 Holdings Plc


Anzo Group


Apollo Global Management Inc


Ascot Racecourse


AsianLogic


Avia Games Inc.


Bestofthebest


BetFred


Blackstone Inc.


Bragg Gaming


Bruin Capital


Football Pools


Gamesys Group


Bally’s Interactive


Hard Rock Digital


IBID Group


IMG Arena


Kambi


Kindred Group plc


Lottoland


Lottomatica


Matchbook


News Group Newspapers Limited


Noel Hayden


Rank Group plc


RAW iGaming


Royal Panda


Starting Price Regulatory Commission


SIS


Spreadex


TEAM


TGI Sport


Tom Hall


Voidbridge


Videoslots


White Hat Gaming


Work highlights


  • Advised Anzo Group on its sale of independent UK-based iGaming content supplier, Roxor Gaming, to Aristocrat Leisure.
  • Advised Hard Rock Digital on its landmark strategic partnership with Playtech.
  • Advised the IBID Group and the Pragmatic Group on its exclusive multi-year partnership with DAZN Group.

Harris Hagan

Described as a ‘market leader in gaming lawHarris 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

Mishcon de Reya LLP

Noted for its ‘practical approach and thorough knowledge of the industry’, Mishcon de Reya LLP‘s varied offering includes regulatory projects, tax and structuring advice and private and public company M&A. The practice has seen an increase in contentious instructions from clients who wish to challenge decisions made by regulators. Nick Nocton spearheads the team’s offering; his expertise spans digital assets and jurisdictional reviews of the legal and regulatory risks in various territories. Susan Breen is praised for her ‘innovative legal advice’ on issues such as cross-border commercial arrangements. Stuart McMaster is well placed to advise on data protection and data sharing matters, while Niki Stephens specialises in assisting B2C and B2B clients with regulatory matters. Tom Whitton is singled out for his commercial contracts advice.

Practice head(s):

Nick Nocton


Other key lawyers:

Susan Breen; Stuart McMaster; Niki Stephens; Tom Whitton


Testimonials

‘Practical approach and thorough knowledge of the industry.’

‘Susan Breen is very practical and provides innovative legal advice. She really goes the extra mile for us.’

Key clients

Entain plc


MGM Resorts International


Draftkings


William Hill


Aristocrat Leisure Limited


Everi Holdings Inc.


Novibet Group


Gameco LLC


Kambi plc


Betting and Gaming Council


Videoslots


Catena Media


GAN plc


Gaming Innovation Group Inc.


Angstrom Sports


Everymatrix Software Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised Aristocrat on its recommended $2.1bn bid for Playtech plc, and on its acquisition of Roxor Gaming.
  • Advising Entain plc on a wide range of commercial, IP, regulatory and contentious matters.
  • Advised MGM Resorts International on regulatory approvals in the UK and Malta in connection with its $600m acquisition of LeoVega.

Wiggin LLP

Combining a ‘full service offering across commercial, corporate, litigation and regulatory work with extensive industry knowledge‘, Wiggin LLP‘s offering encompasses regulatory investigations, venture capital investments and white label arrangements. Practice chair Stephen Ketteley is praised for his ‘extensive and incomparable knowledge of gambling regulation’. David McLeish is an authority on M&A work in the gaming and betting space. Chris Elliott is described as ‘particularly strong on the details of British gambling regulation’. Bethan Lloyd has in-depth knowledge of strategic partnerships, while Oliver Tenzer‘s time as legal counsel at a leading sportsbook provider informs the commercial and regulatory assistance he gives to clients. Jason Chess became a consultant for the practice in April 2023.

Practice head(s):

Stephen Ketteley


Other key lawyers:

Jason Chess;David McLeish; Chris Elliott; Bethan Lloyd; Oliver Tenzer


Testimonials

‘Wiggin’s Betting & Gaming team is the pre-eminent practice in this specialist area of law. It combines a full service offering across commercial, corporate, litigation and regulatory work with extensive industry knowledge.’

‘David McLeish is a superb all round advisor and is valued for more than just his legal advice. His scope of knowledge is unrivalled and he provides honest and direct advice.’

‘Stephen Ketteley’s knowledge and experience of gambling regulation is extensive and incomparable – there is very little he doesn’t know about how gambling is regulated across the world.’

‘Chris Elliott has an encyclopaedic knowledge of gambling regulation, and is particularly strong on the details of British gambling regulation.’

‘ The team has deep knowledge of their subject area in various jurisdictions and excellent contacts at other firms outside the UK.’

‘Jason Fisher has brilliant knowledge and is always across the latest developments in a fast moving regulatory sector. We find he is very commercial and provides balanced advice within agreed timescales.’

Key clients

Flutter Entertainment


bet365


Playtech


William Hill


Worldpay (from FIS)


Entain


DAZN


Evolution


Bally’s Corporation


Betway


Work highlights


Memery Crystal

Praised for dispensing commercial advice with ‘a clear eye on practical realities‘, Memery Crystal handles a broad range of matters, including casino acquisitions, the clearing of gambling products for the likes of ITV and Telegraph Media Group, lotteries, and gambling risk in a wide range of jurisdictions. Practice head Carl Rohsler is a contributing editor of the Gambling Law Review and frequently assists governments and regulators with efforts to regulate betting. Capital markets specialist Lesley Gregory contributes her corporate expertise, while Jonathan Riley is well placed to advise on IP matters and online gaming.

Practice head(s):

Carl Rohsler


Other key lawyers:

Lesley Gregory; Jonathan Riley


Testimonials

‘Advice is very commercial with a clear eye on practical realities.’

‘Carl Rohsler is incredibly responsive and will turn urgent matters around to meet deadlines.’

‘Excellent team with expert knowledge and experience of the gaming industry. Able to give professional legal advise for most situations with case examples. Very flexible with regards to calls and meetings.’

‘Carl Rohsler has expert knowledge of the gaming industry and I would recommend him without question.’

‘Leading industry expertise in lotteries and gaming.’

Key clients

ITV plc


Sorare SAS


Silver Point Capital


Leap Gaming


Jumbo Interactive


DFS Middle East LLC


Papaya Gaming


The Health Lottery


888.com


STV Group plc


Telegraph Media Group


Gaming Realms


Fulham FC


Annexio


Union Jaxx


Avantage Entertainment


Buzz Bingo


Goldchip Gaming


Metric Gaming


Meridian Bet


Work highlights


  • Acting for Silver Point Capital in completing the reorganisation and change of control of Metropolitan Gaming Limited (formerly Caesars Entertainment UK).
  • Advising ITV plc on its games and competitions as part of ITV.com/win.
  • Advising Australian listed lottery provider Jumbo Interactive in relation to its acquisition of StarVale, a UK External Lottery Manager.

Northridge Law LLP

Northridge Law LLP provides ‘balanced and practically useful advice’ to gambling operators, games developers and innovative tech companies, with the team advising on a broad range of matters such as regulatory licensing, transactional work and gambling sponsorship arrangements. Practice chair Melanie Ellis is well versed in licensing, advertising and anti-money laundering procedures, while Tom Edmonds has significant experience of advising sports and betting companies on commercial agreements that straddle the two sectors.

Practice head(s):

Melanie Ellis


Other key lawyers:

Tom Edmonds


Testimonials

‘Very responsive and excellent understanding of commercial and product aspects in addition to legal knowledge.’

Expertise in UK gambling compliance, the legal process and interactions with regulators, always with one eye on the bigger picture.’

‘Melanie Ellis demonstrates commercial pragmatism supported with a great deal of technical and operational knowledge & experience. ’

 

Key clients

Evolution Gaming


Shareholders of InTouch Games


Run It Once


SportyStuff TV Limited


Betway


Who Knows Wins


BRS Golf


GridRival


Sporting Chance Prize Draw


Veriff OU


Transigo Ltd


Dazzletag Entertainment Ltd


Work highlights


  • Advising Evolution Gaming on gambling licensing and compliance matters.
  • Advised the shareholders of In Touch Games on the company’s acquisition by Skywind Holdings, including assisting with due diligence and regulatory aspects.
  • Advised Betway on a wide range of sponsorship deals, including high profile international football sponsorships and US-based franchises.

Pinsent Masons LLP

Praised for its ‘remarkable reach’, Pinsent Masons LLP advises land-based, online & mobile clients on a broad array of corporate, commercial, and intellectual property issues. ‘Gambling industry legend’ Diane Mullenex heads the global gaming and gambling practice from the firm’s London office; she is an authority on the French gaming market. Audrey Ferrie‘s gambling licensing expertise extends to advocacy before committees, while corporate specialist Gareth Jones  frequently advises on major transactions in the space.

Practice head(s):

Diane Mullenex


Other key lawyers:

Audrey Ferrie; Gareth Jones


Testimonials

‘The firm is truly international with a remarkable reach.’

‘Diane Mullenex is a legend within the gaming and gambling industry.’

‘Great knowledge of the market, practical approach’

Key clients

PLR Media


World Athletics


Work highlights


  • Devised a significant trademark filing programme for some of the PLR Media’s leading products.
  • Advising a client on setting up the necessary legislative and regulatory framework in order to introduce physical casinos as well as online gambling in the UAE.
  • Advising a gaming client on the entire breadth of its regulatory compliance needs both in the UK as well as in France.

Poppleston Allen

Known for its deep knowledge of the land-based bingo industry, Poppleston Allen assists the industry’s largest operators with their gambling applications, compliance matters and Bingo Premises Licences. The unit team is well regarded for for its work within the lottery industry. ‘Stand out partner’ Nick Aaron leads the team, advising a variety of clients ranging from large corporations to single site operators on issues such as the licensing regulatory aspects of acquisitions. Richard Bradley is noted for his expertise concerning the development of bespoke compliance regimes and the drafting of licensing clauses for asset purchase agreements.

Practice head(s):

Nick Arron


Other key lawyers:

Richard Bradley; Imogen Moss; David Inzani


Testimonials

‘The licensing team here are very commercially focused.’

‘We work closely with Nick Arron and David Inzani and their communication is first class.’

‘The team are exceptional. They are all knowledgeable, engaging and patient.’

‘Nick Arron is the stand out partner.’

‘ The support we receive is extremely professional, in time, precisely answered and very often pro-active.’

‘The team at Poppleston are all approachable and extremely knowledgeable in their relevant fields of expertise.’

‘The team all adopt a professional, helpful approach.’

Key clients

Buzz Group Limited


Gauselmann Group.


Shua Limited


Power Leisure Bookmakers Limited


Shua Limited


Merkur Slots Casino UK.


Namco UK Limited.


Bourne Leisure Limited.


Parkdean Resorts UK Limited.


Palatial Leisure Limited.


City Gaming Limited.


BACTA.


Butlins Skyline Limited


Blueprint Gaming Limited.


Blueprint Operations Limited.


Regal Amusement Machine Sales Limited.


National Bingo Game Association.


Bede Gaming Limited.


Leisure Electronics Limited


Wexel Gaming Limited.


Woods Whur

With a strong focus on licensing applications and advocacy in contested casino applications, Woods Whur is well equipped to advise adult gaming centre operators, major bookmakers and new entrants to the casino market. The team frequently advises operators on the advantages and disadvantages of varying European jurisdictions. A triumvirate of Leeds-based partners lead the team: Paddy Whur, Andrew Woods, and Christopher Rees-Gay; all three are licensing experts who handle Licensing Sub-Committee applications and UK courts. Amanda Usher contributes her licensing expertise and frequently submits operating licence applications for both remote and non-remote clients.

Practice head(s):

Paddy Whur; Andrew Woods; Chris Rees-Gay


Other key lawyers:

Amanda Usher


Testimonials

‘Very pragmatic in their approach. Client focused. This is in addition to their capabilities and knowledge on the subject which just makes it so much easier to work with them.’

‘Go the extra mile for their client. Have shown dedication and flexibility throughout.’

‘The practice specialises in licensing and planning for leisure and gaming and are one of the best firms.’

Key clients

Future Leisure Limited


Metropolitan Gaming


Jennings Racing Limited


TGP Europe Online Gaming


Mayfair Casino


East Kent Leasing


Rank Leisure Limited


Chongie Entertainment


Boylesports UK Limited


Mecca Bingo Limited


888 Holdings Limited


Shipley Amusements


Grosvenor Casinos Limited


Silvertime Amusements Limited


Work highlights


  • Acted in several successful contested licensing hearings for Adult Gaming Centre Premises licences, including a successful appeal against Tower Hamlets Council in the Thames Magistrates’ Court.
  • Assisted 888 Holdings with making state by state applications across the US.
  • Instructed by Rank Leisure Limited to negotiate with Westminster City Council, over the imposition of a byelaw to restrict hours of operations of Adult Gaming Centres.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner advises on strategic acquisitions, litigation, in addition to a broad array of regulatory and commercial matters. The team is well regarded for its contentious expertise in judicial reviews. Jeremy Bark and Benjamin Lee jointly lead the team; Bark has a proven track record in handling new license applications, while Lee is a corporate finance specialist who is noted for handling ‘big-ticket work, particularly where there is a public markets element’. Marie Johnson adds to the corporate finance expertise at the firm, while Oran Gelb is a ‘go-to guy‘ for contentious work.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Bark; Benjamin Lee


Other key lawyers:

Marie Johnson; Oran Gelb


Testimonials

‘We use Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner for big-ticket work, particularly where there is a public markets element.’

‘I rate Ben Lee at BCLP very highly. He is commercial and a great lawyer too.’

‘Oran Gelb is our go-to guy on contentious matters at BCLP.’ 

 

Key clients

New Lottery Company


Playtech


Costigan King

Praised for its ‘exemplary understanding of the gambling industry’, Costigan King sports longstanding experience in advising on commercial transactions in online gaming, offshore company structures and IP matters. Additionally, the group handles a range of contentious issues in the space. Arianne King heads up the gaming and betting division, having in-depth knowledge of the growing interface between gaming and blockchain technology. Lynn McCaw contributes her longstanding corporate and commercial experience in transactional matters, and Nadia Armah maintains her focus on the IP aspect of commercial agreements.

Practice head(s):

Arianne King


Other key lawyers:

Lynn McCaw; Nadia Armah


Testimonials

‘The team is very strong at dealing with any situation we throw at them.’

‘Costigan King can communicate in the language of business leaders and not go for lawyer speak overkill when the situation is more suited to a business minded solution.’

‘Costigan King has an exemplary understanding of the gambling industry.’

Key clients

Star Racing Limited


Playmaker Capital Inc


Playbook Engineering


Juste Puharic


Les Ambassadeurs


Planet Bet Limited


Playbook Gaming Limited


Two-Up Agency Limited


Star Sports (On Course) Limited


RPM Gaming


A Jolly Consulting


Work highlights


  • Acted for Star Racing Limited in a regulatory license review brought by the Gambling Commission.
     
     
  • Advised Playmaker Capital on its purchase of the entire share capital of Two-Up Agency.
  • Advising Playbook Engineering on multiple licensing, commercial and intellectual property matters for its online gambling platform.

Hugh James

The gaming, betting and licensing team at Hugh James is well regarded for its IP licensing, and sports betting and licensing work. Engaged by both land-based and online clients, the unit is also equipped to handle an array of domestic and international commercial, regulatory and compliance work across. Practice head Aled Walters, who divides his time between Cardiff and London, is active across business purchase agreements in foreign jurisdictions.  Cardiff-based Martin Jones  is well acquainted with matters involving anti-money laundering regulations.

Practice head(s):

Aled Walters


Other key lawyers:

Martin Jones


Key clients

BetVictor


Superbet


Double Diamond Gaming (Rainbow Casino)


Development Bank of Wales PLC


Bresbet


Admiral PLC


Pentasia


Conexus Group


Raw Entertainment


Roobet


888 Africa


TCS John Huxley


Inspired Entertainment


Greentube


Castle Bingo


Work highlights


  • Acting for 888 (Africa) in the establishment of its operations in Africa.
  • Advising Raw Entertainment, which operates the Roobet international casino, on an aspect of its promotion activity with Snoop Dogg.
  • Acting for Bresbet on its application for UK Gambling Commission licences.

Keystone Law

Keystone Law has longstanding experience of assisting with a broad range of issues, including land-based gambling sites, host and software licensing matters for international operators and the use of cryptocurrencies as a form of payment for gambling platforms. The team has a proven track record of acting on licensing review applications, where the client’s licence is at risk of revocation. Richard Williams is well placed to advise skill game clients on how to avoid being regulated under the Gambling Act 2005. Financial services expert Rabya Anwar is equipped to handle jurisdictional expansion matters, while Niall McCann and Stephen Rodd are further key contacts.

Other key lawyers:

Richard Williams; Rabya Anwar; Niall McCann; Lara Robson; Stephen Rodd; Nicholas Tall; Jimmy Desai


Key clients

Verdict MMA Inc


Papaya Gaming Inc


MeritUp Inc


Funfair Technologies Europe Limited


Pura Vida Sunset Services Ltd


Abdullah Qandeel


Zhong Lun Law Firm Limited


Jumbo Interactive Limited


Work highlights


  • Advised MeritUp Inc on the development of its FlipFam football engagement app.
  • Instructed by US MMA pool betting startup Verdict to advise on licensing requirements for its launch in GB.
  • Assisted Papaya Gaming with the analysis of its skill games under the Gambling Act 2005, to establish whether they are regulated gambling.

RPC

RPC leverages its expertise in sports, esports, digital and technology matters to handle commercial, intellectual property, data and disputes work. Jeremy Drew co-heads the practice and is a key contact for sports database rights disputes.  Fellow co-head Josh Charalambous assists sports betting companies, B2B betting technology providers, and brands with a wide variety of gaming and betting mandates.

Practice head(s):

Jeremy Drew; Josh Charalambous


Testimonials

‘RPC has a remarkable depth of experience in the gaming and betting sector, with a range of clients and a track record of success in litigating in the sector.’

‘Jeremy Drew has a huge following and is the king of strategy.’

‘Joshua Charalambous is bound for greatness, a really great new addition.’

‘RPC’s gaming practice is unique in its ability to provide clients with a full range of legal services across the sector.’

‘I have been particularly impressed by their investment in and commitment to diversity and inclusion.’

 

Key clients

LeoVegas


Soft Construct


VBet


FeedConstruct


Royal Panda


Game Digital


Work highlights


  • Acting for Soft Construct in relation to High Court proceedings brought by Genius Sports concerning live sports data.
  • Advising a leading esports platform provider on gambling licensing requirements for free to play watch-along prediction games for competitive gaming competitions.
  • Advising GAME in respect of the ongoing operation of the BELONG Esports gaming arenas in the UK.