Bird & Bird LLP‘s gambling team leverages the firm’s expertise in areas including regulatory, data protection, IP, corporate and tax, as well as its extensive international reach. Andy Danson spearheads the team, leveraging his strengths in regulatory and commercial work, and excels in regularly coordinating international regulatory advice from the firm’s international offices. Elizabeth Dunn has extensive experience advising on online gambling regulations and a broad range of gambling matters, including advising businesses on white label, supply, hosting, and payment processing deals. Robert Turner acts primarily for sports rights holders on their transactions with gambling processors, while Lucy Paterson has deep knowledge of both online and land-based gambling regulation as well as extensive experience advising on licence and change of control applications to the gambling commission.

The CMS gambling group stands out for its ‘deep industry knowledge’ and full-service approach, leveraging the firm’s broad expertise across commercial, regulatory, tax, and intellectual property disciplines to enhance its gambling practice. The team is further strengthened by its significant international reach. The practice is led by David Zeffman, a seasoned advisor known for his commercial and regulatory knowledge. Rob Willis is a key figure in corporate matters, with a focus on M&A, joint ventures, fundraisings, and corporate reorganisations. Co-head of the tax team, Stephen Hignett, brings valuable experience in UK tax issues relevant to the gambling industry. Tamsin Blow is noted for her expertise in navigating enforcement actions by the Gambling Commission. Anna Soilleux-Mills offers deep regulatory knowledge, while Alasdair Lamb is recognised for advising prominent clients on regulatory and compliance matters.

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.

Mishcon de Reya LLP‘s ‘astute and commercially minded’ team is renowned for its deep industry expertise and thorough regulatory knowledge, further enhanced by the firm’s strong international practice. The team offers a wide range of gaming and betting advice and is particularly recognised for its proficiency in handling contentious regulatory enforcement and criminal proceedings involving the Gambling Commission. The practice is led by Nick Nocton, who is highly experienced across all facets of the sector and advises businesses in the games and interactive entertainment industries, including developers and publishers. Susan Breen provides significant expertise in cross-border commercial arrangements, as well as regulatory and compliance matters. Niki Stephens has developed expertise in advising clients whose business models have not previously been tested against existing UK legislation. Stuart McMaster rounds out the team with a focus on advising on the impact of overlapping regulatory regimes, particularly data protection and gambling regulation.

Wiggin LLP provides a broad range of services, blending deep industry expertise with strengths in commercial, corporate, litigation, and regulatory work. The team is skilled in managing regulatory investigations, venture capital investments, and white-label agreements. Stephen Ketteley leads the practice, and is widely recognised for his deep knowledge of the gambling sector and his ability to serve as a primary point of contact for clients. David McLeish brings extensive experience in corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters, both domestically and internationally. Ben Whitelock specialises in corporate transactions for operators and suppliers, while Jason Fisher advises on corporate and regulatory issues, leveraging a vast network of local counsel across various jurisdictions. Chris Elliott handles complex regulatory matters, and Jason Chess, a seasoned industry expert, leverages his vast experience for the benefit of the wider team as a consultant. The team is rounded out by Bethan Lloyd, who excels in negotiating software and brand licensing agreements, and Oliver Tenzer, who is adept in UK compliance and regulatory support for M&A transactions.

Memery Crystal is highly regarded in the gambling sector, with a strong track record advising prominent clients. The firm’s ‘exceptionally commercial and extremely responsive’ team is well-known for handling high-profile transactions and providing expert guidance on lottery schemes, complex legal interpretations of gambling law, and product classifications. Carl Rohsler, who leads the practice, is a recognised industry authority frequently consulted by governments and regulators in multiple jurisdictions on the development of gambling legislation. Lesley Gregory brings expertise in capital markets, particularly flotations, secondary capital raisings, as well as cross-border transactions. Jonathan Riley complements the team with his extensive experience in commercial law and contract matters.

Northridge Law LLP stands out as a top choice for clients in the gaming and betting industry, especially when high-stakes issues arise. The firm offers a multidisciplinary approach, with strong capabilities in dispute resolution and employment law, providing clients with a well-rounded service. Melanie Ellis, who leads the team, is highly regarded for her expertise in regulatory and compliance matters, advising licensed gambling operators on licensing, advertising, and anti-money laundering procedures. Tom Edmonds, drawing on his extensive in-house experience, excels in navigating commercial agreements within the sector, further strengthening his focus on regulatory and commercial work.

Pinsent Masons LLP offers a full-service approach to gaming and betting clients, capitalising on the firm’s strengths in IP, regulatory advice, and dispute resolution. The team is adept at handling high-value, complex transactions, often involving multiple jurisdictions. Diane Mullenex, who heads the practice, is noted for her deep expertise in the French gaming market and has a strong track record of advising clients across various regions. Audrey Ferrie provides specialist advice on a broad range of matters, including licensing and compliance with UKGC regulations. Tom Nener is recognised for his work on high-profile IP cases, supporting a range of clients.

Poppleston Allen is recognised for its comprehensive licensing, compliance, and regulatory expertise within the gaming and betting sector for both land-based and online clients. The firm is particularly esteemed for its work in the bingo industry, notably acting as retained counsel for the Bingo Association. Led by Nick Arron, the team is well-versed in dealing with the Gambling Commission and handling complex matters such as corporate control applications. Richard Bradley brings substantial experience in corporate acquisitions and changes of corporate control under the Gambling Act 2005, while David Inzani specialises in adult gaming centres in London, focusing on investment and corporate control changes.

Woods Whur is a leading firm with a strong focus on the casino and adult gaming centre sectors, including advising international clients on UK gambling operating licence applications. Founding partners Paddy Whur and Andrew Woods co-head the practice, bringing extensive experience and a successful track record. Woods is particularly noted for his effectiveness before local licensing committees with applications under the Gambling Act 2005, while Whur is recognised for his adeptness as a solicitor-advocate in contested application cases. Chris Reed-Gay enhances the team’s capabilities with his specialisation in Gambling Commission operating licences and adult gaming centre premises licence applications.

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner takes a comprehensive approach to the gaming and betting sector, integrating the firm’s broader capabilities to enhance its practice in this area. The team is highly regarded for its expertise in corporate transactions, data protection, litigation, regulatory matters, and licensing issues. The practice is co-led by Jeremy Bark, Benjamin Lee, and Marie Johnson. Bark is known for his adept handling of licensing applications, covering both alcohol and gambling, as well as regulatory enforcement, including reviews and prosecutions. Lee brings a wealth of experience in advising sector clients on both domestic and international M&A and public market opportunities. Johnson regularly advises on M&A, restructurings, joint ventures, and investments, showcasing a robust track record in these areas.

Herbert Smith Freehills LLP leverages its strong expertise in corporate, IP, regulatory, competition, and dispute resolution to enhance its gaming and betting practice, serving major corporate clients. The team provides comprehensive advice on licensing, product launches, compliance, IP, and M&A, with notable strengths across multiple jurisdictions, including advising on the risks of entering a new market. The practice is led by Hayley Brady, who brings extensive experience, particularly in cross-border matters, to the firm’s offering, further solidifying its position in the sector.

Hugh James provides comprehensive legal services to both online and land-based gaming and betting clients, with particular strengths in sports betting, licensing, and high-value IP licensing. The firm supports a diverse clientele, including international clients, across areas such as corporate law, regulatory and compliance matters, property, anti-money laundering, and dispute resolution. The practice is spearheaded by Aled Walters, who is noted for his expertise in commercial, IP, and M&A transactions within the sector. Martin Jones offers specialised advice on all aspects of gambling licensing, guiding clients through the process of obtaining licences from the Gambling Commission and ensuring operators meet their ongoing compliance obligations.

Keystone Law is recognised for its strong expertise in both land-based and online gaming and betting, with a particular focus on high-profile and complex licensing review applications, particularly those involving potential licence revocation by the Gambling Commission. The team excels in advising on corporate transactions within the sector. Richard Williams advises a diverse clientele, from start-ups to multinational operators, on licensing and international market risks. Niall McCann specialises in liquor licensing and gaming, with an emphasis on casinos and betting shops. The team has been bolstered by the addition of Alan Owens, known for handling strategic disputes and regulatory inquiries.