Harris Hagan’s boutique practice provides a comprehensive range of services across both online and land-based gaming. The practice is led by John Hagan, who specialises in all aspects of gambling law and regularly advises on both remote and non-remote operating licence applications, as well as regulatory investigations. Co-head Bahar Alaeddini is a key contact for regulatory and licensing matters, particularly where they intersect with corporate issues such as restructuring and transactional due diligence. David Whyte is frequently instructed on high-profile enforcement matters and compliance investigations, drawing on his extensive experience working with the Gambling Commission. Senior associate Jessica Wilson regularly advises start-ups on licensing, regulatory and compliance issues.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘They are very knowledgeable about the UK gaming industry and are subject matter experts on licensing and regulation. They provide proactive engagement and support when new regulations are in the pipeline.’
- ‘They are experts in gambling law. What makes the practice different is their strong, in-depth knowledge of how the Gambling Commission operates, making them invaluable for operators navigating a changing regulatory environment. They provide a quick service to solve issues and are always available in a crisis with cool, considered advice, which has always been accurate and actionable.’
- ‘Working closely with David Whyte and John Hagan, they have both proved very knowledgeable in their field and provided excellent training for our company, including for executive-level senior staff.’
- ‘They are the leading gambling-focused law firm in the UK, combining unmatched regulatory expertise with deep industry insight. We value the team's clarity, responsiveness and ability to navigate complex, evolving frameworks. The firm stands apart for its close engagement with regulators, clear communication, and collaborative ethos—helping clients stay ahead of change, not just react to it.’
- ‘They are the pre-eminent specialist firm active in the UK casino and gaming sector and have been a leading player since their foundation 20 years ago. All of the partners and staff are focused on this single sector, which gives a degree of commercial awareness and technical skill not matched by other firms.’
- 'John Hagan combines deep technical knowledge with a pragmatic, client-focused approach, and is widely recognised for his work with industry bodies and policy development.'
Work highlights
Advising a global private equity firm, with over $500bn AUM, on a take private deal in the gambling industry.
Acting for a US publicly traded company on its proposed separation of certain business units and merger in a deal valued at over $6bn.
Acting on numerous Gambling Commission compliance and enforcement investigations, including B2C and B2B online and land-based gambling businesses and senior executives.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
John Hagan; Bahar Alaeddini
Other key lawyers
David Whyte; Jessica Wilson