Frequently instructed by international corporate clients, Mishcon de Reya LLP’s betting and gaming practice is well-equipped to provide a full range of services. The team is led by Nick Nocton, who has earned international recognition as a regulatory lawyer and frequently advises financial institutions on matters relating to the gambling industry. Susan Breen is a key contact for commercial arrangements, for example, those in relation to M&A and joint ventures. Niki Stephens is adept at advising business models that remain untested under UK law. Stuart McMaster brings strong expertise in data protection matters, while Lorenzo Coppola focuses on international expansion projects.
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020 3321 7276
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Profile

Profile

Work Department
Betting & Gaming
Position

Stuart is a Partner in the Betting & Gaming Group in the Innovation Department. He specialises in corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions for both public and private companies. He advises on listed company transactions, including flotations, takeovers and fundraisings. He also advises on joint ventures, private fundraisings, shareholder disputes, regulatory issues and corporate re-organisations.

Stuart is a member of the Betting and Gaming group, and has extensive experience within this sector. Representative examples include advising two substantial shareholders of PartyGaming Plc on its merger with bwin Interactive Entertainment AG and advising on private equity investments and mergers and acquisitions within the gambling and technology sector. He also advises on wide range of regulatory issues within the online gambling sector. Stuart also acts for clients in a number of other sectors, including real estate, technology and renewable energy.

Stuart also advises on the corporate aspects of insolvency-related transactions, including insolvent business sales, debt for equity swaps and schemes of arrangement.

Career

Partner, Mishcon de Reya LLP

Solicitor, Mishcon de Reya LLP

Trainee, Mishcon de Reya LLP

Research Assistant, Law Commission

Hertford College, Oxford University - BCL

Hertford College, Oxford University – BA (Hons) Law

Education

Hertford College, Oxford University - BCL

Hertford College, Oxford University – BA (Hons) Law

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team stands out for its unique combination of deep regulatory expertise, commercial acumen and a highly collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach. They integrate top-tier legal advice with strong insight into the evolving gaming and betting landscape in the UK and internationally. Innovation, litigation strength and billing transparency are hallmarks of their practice.’ ‘The team is fantastic to work with as they listen to clients’ needs, analyse problems effectively and execute with efficiency. Their commercial understanding and responsiveness set them apart.’ ‘Mishcon de Reya is a very strong all-round gambling practice. They are pragmatic, personable and business-focused, helping us manage global projects across Europe, Africa, the US and Canada. They also offer valuable advice in specialist areas such as IP and cybersecurity, and their regulatory expertise is second to none.’ ‘Sian Harding is dynamic, detailed, hands-on and a pleasure to work with. She offers clear, commercially grounded guidance on legal risk, regulatory developments and contractual matters. Her responsive, detail-oriented style makes her a trusted adviser in fast-paced, high-stakes situations.’ ‘Susan Breen is the go-to for many key figures in the industry, particularly for sensitive mandates involving high-profile individuals and governmental bodies. These matters require deep sector knowledge, matched with her razor-sharp commercial acumen. Some of the most significant issues in the sector have stayed under the radar because Susan Breen has resolved them before they escalate.’ ‘Susan Breen stands out for her personal, relationship-based approach, which she has instilled throughout the team. The Mishcon team becomes an extension of the businesses they advise, which is rare in law firms. Susan Breen has been my standout lawyer for over 17 years, and her human approach combined with exceptional legal knowledge is what makes the team truly unique.’ ‘Niki Stephens has worked with us on strategic advice relating to licensing, compliance and regulatory frameworks. She brings a pragmatic approach and deep sector knowledge, particularly when navigating complex legal environments and emerging technologies.’ ‘Stuart McMaster is a stand-out partner who combines excellent technical ability with strong industry and commercial knowledge, especially in data privacy and digital consumer businesses. He is highly familiar with the increasingly interconnected regulatory environment in the digital sector.’

Key clients

  • Aristocrat Leisure Limited DraftKings Innovation Labs Limited Entain Plc Betting and Gaming Council Pantera Capital Management LP EMD Advocates Videoslots Limited Everi Holdings Inc Kambi Group Plc Skillz Inc Socios Best of the Best Plc Moloco

Work highlights

Advised Aristocrat on the $1.2bn acquisition of NeoGames S.A.