CMS’s gambling team offers a comprehensive range of services across commercial and regulatory matters, intellectual property and competition law. Team head David Zeffman leads on a variety of high-profile strategic transactions, regulatory issues and litigation. Rob Willis focuses on corporate transactions involving real-money and social gaming businesses, both domestically and internationally. Stephen Hignett, co-head of the London tax team, is a key contact for both contentious and non-contentious tax matters. Tamsin Blow regularly advises on B2B disputes and provides regulatory guidance on anti-money laundering obligations. Anna Soilleux-Mills brings considerable experience in the online gaming space, while senior associate Alasdair Lamb is frequently instructed by game suppliers and platform providers.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Very knowledgeable, good bench strength and pleasant company to boot. Always a pleasure to spend time with them, and to also benefit from their informed legal views and unrivalled expertise and experience.’
- ‘The unique experience and knowledge of the wagering industry, and their ability to apply this knowledge in a pragmatic manner, is impressive. The speed with which matters are understood and the fidelity of their responses is refreshing.’
- ‘Again, the unique experience and knowledge of the wagering industry, and their ability to apply this knowledge in a pragmatic and effective manner, is highly valuable. In particular, David Zeffman has been a terrific support and reference for us as a business.’
- ‘They offer unique insight into the commercial and legal scene of the gambling and sports industries, providing excellent multi-disciplinary advice.’
- ‘David Zeffman has extensive knowledge of the gaming and betting industry, and a network of legal counsel in other jurisdictions, which makes his guidance indispensable in our international business dealings. His advice is always technically proficient, commercial and timely – ticking all our boxes.’
- ‘David Zeffman is in a league of his own in terms of his depth of understanding of the issues in our sector and in providing practical advice to assist with risk management and decision-making.’
- ‘David Zeffman, Anna Soilleux-Mills and Alasdair Lamb are smart, well-informed, knowledgeable and engaging to deal with.’
- ‘Rob Willis is a top corporate lawyer who has an unusual savvy and experience. Anna Soilleux-Mills provides great practical regulatory advice.’
Key clients
- BetFred
- Betting and Gaming Council
- Flutter
- Hard Rock Digital
- Hong Kong Jockey Club
- Instant Win Gaming
- LiveScore
- Lottoland
- Lottomatica Group S.p.A.
- OpenBet Limited
- Rank
Work highlights
Advising Endeavor on the UK gambling regulatory aspects of the sale of its sports betting businesses (OpenBet and IMG Arena) as part of a management buyout.
Advised Hard Rock Digital on a significant number of deals.
Advised longstanding client Instant Win Gaming Limited (IWG), on its agreement to sell a 70% stake to multi-national lottery operator Allwyn.
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.
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
David Zeffman
Other key lawyers
Rob Willis; Stephen Hignett; Tamsin Blow; Anna Soilleux-Mills; Alasdair Lamb