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.

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.

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.

The team at Wiggin LLP is regularly instructed by software providers, major online operators and payment processors. Team lead Stephen Ketteley is described as the ‘doyen of UK gambling lawyers’. Jason Chess now acts as a consultant, frequently advising on ongoing changes to gambling regulations. Chris Elliott specialises in online gambling and regularly advises both B2C and B2B businesses. David McLeish is well positioned to support on commercial matters and leads on cases involving technology litigation. Bethan Lloyd is a key name for negotiating complex software and brand licensing agreements. Oliver Tenzer has departed the firm for an in-house role.

Keystone Law is noted for its specialist expertise in advising on regulatory challenges and transactional matters across both land-based and online gambling. The team is regularly instructed in high-stakes licensing reviews, particularly those concerning potential revocation proceedings brought by the Gambling Commission. Richard Williams is a key contact for start-ups and multinational gambling operators, while Alan Owens specialises in litigation and regulatory investigations, especially for online betting platforms. Carl Rohsler regularly advises on high-profile transactions and is often instructed by governments and regulators worldwide on gambling law.

Northridge Law LLP is a leading firm in the gaming and betting sector, frequently advising gambling operators, particularly on complex, high-stakes matters. The practice is well-placed to handle dispute resolution and employment issues. Melanie Ellis leads the team and is a key point of contact for licensing and regulatory advice. Managing associate Tom Edmonds is well versed in commercial agreements relating to sport and betting, drawing on his in-house experience.

Pinsent Masons LLP is a ‘one-stop shop’ for gaming and betting clients, often working alongside regulators to provide a holistic approach to resolving issues. The team has a strong litigation background and is well-placed to represent clients in relation to licence applications. Diane Mullenex leads the global gambling practice and advises some of the world’s largest gaming operators and software providers across multiple jurisdictions. Audrey Ferrie left the practice in April 2025.

Poppleston Allen is a key destination for clients in the bingo, lottery and alcohol licensing sectors. Nick Arron leads the gambling team and handles a substantial volume of work involving the Gambling Commission, including licence reviews under section 116, judicial reviews and other relevant licensing applications, while Richard Bradley mainly assists operators with corporate acquisition projects. David Inzani is also recommended, particularly for his expertise in acquisitions and restructuring for both land-based casinos and remote operators, and both Imogen Moss and Felix Faulkner are also highlighted as key.

The gambling practice at Woods Whur is well-equipped to represent major bookmakers, betting operators, bingo halls, and adult gaming centre premises. Co-founders Paddy Whur and Andrew Woods lead the team, which is also sought after by remote international and independent operators. Whur specialises in operating licence applications and regulatory matters for gambling premises, while Woods is highly experienced in alcohol licensing issues and provides strategic advice on corporate transactions, including mergers and acquisitions.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner’s gambling practice focuses primarily on corporate gambling transactions, commercial litigation, and employment matters within the sector, often involving cross-border elements. The team is led by Benjamin Lee and Marie Johnson. Lee, described as a ‘commercial and versatile’ lawyer, regularly advises on M&A transactions and private equity matters. Johnson is also noted for her track record in high-value transactions, acting for both domestic and international clients. Jeremy Bark brings extensive experience in tribunal advocacy and licence application issues.

Costigan King's gaming practice is well-positioned to advise on intellectual property and regulatory matters relating to blockchain and cryptocurrency in the gambling sector, both in the UK and internationally. Arianne King leads the team and is a gambling specialist with extensive experience representing operators in investigations initiated by the Gambling Commission and advising on commercial transactions in online gaming.

The gaming team at Hugh James demonstrates strong capabilities in navigating complex matters across both online and land-based gambling. The group is particularly adept in advising on sports betting regulation, licensing frameworks and high-value intellectual property arrangements. Team head Aled Walters, a corporate and commercial specialist, frequently acts on cross-border matters for clients in the gaming sector.