Harris Hagan’s boutique practice is highly regarded for its in-depth industry expertise, offering comprehensive advice on licensing, compliance, and enforcement to both online and land-based gambling businesses. The firm is particularly noted for its work on Gambling Commission compliance investigations, regulatory matters, licence reviews, and cross-border transactional work. The practice is co-led by John Hagan and Bahar Alaeddini, both of whom are specialists in online and land-based gambling law, having advised major industry players, start-ups, governments, and trade associations. David Whyte brings a unique perspective to the team, drawing on his previous in-house roles at a land-based casino operator and as general counsel for an online operator, to advise on complex compliance and enforcement mandates. Jessica Wilson adds further strength to the practice with her extensive experience in major corporate transactions and changes of corporate control, particularly those involving US publicly traded companies. The team benefits from the extensive experience and expertise of consultants Julian Harris and Hilary Stewart-Jones.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Their ability to understand our industry in-depth makes them stand out from the rest. They are so invested in understanding all aspects that it enhances the knowledge and guidance they provide.'
‘Friendly, approachable, advice and guidance is not always done in legal jargon, they have a great way of describing a situation in layman's terms. David Whyte covers all these areas with excellence.’
‘Responsive, highly skilled and respected.’
‘The team has expert knowledge of the area of business we operate in. This extends to regulatory issues and how the authorities that regulate operate. This is vital for our business as we have few in-house resources. They provide early warnings on changes that will affect our business.’
‘David Whyte is a brilliant advisor to us on all regulatory and, indeed, business issues. He is always available and gives cool, calm, and clear advice during crises. He has worked in the regulator and has had significant experience outside of business.’
‘They have seen it all, and are able to bring their deep experience and deep industry knowledge and connection to bear to provide high quality, pragmatic advice.’
‘Harris Hagan is, by some margin, the leading specialist firm in the U.K. gaming industry. Their team has unrivalled expertise in gaming regulation and licensing.’
‘John Hagan is the most prominent U.K. gaming lawyer and is a widely known and respected figure in our industry.'
Key clients
- BeyondPlay Gaming Limited
Work highlights
Acting on numerous Gambling Commission compliance and enforcement investigations, including B2C and B2B online and land-based gambling businesses and senior executives.
Acting for a private equity firm with over $100 billion in assets under management on its proposed investment in a publicly traded company with gambling businesses licensed in Great Britain.
Acting for a US publicly traded company on its proposed separation of certain business units and merger in a deal valued at over $6 billion.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
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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; Julian Harris; Hilary Stewart-Jones