Overview

Our gaming lawyers advise organisations operating in the gaming, gambling and leisure sectors. We advise both land based and online operators on regulatory and licensing issues.

We understand the commercial objectives of our clients and the importance of balancing these objectives with regulatory requirements. In addition to regulatory and licensing advice we are also able to advise in associated areas such as tax, corporate structure and company set up, data protection and intellectual property (often of particular importance to online operators).

We are members of the Gambling Commission's Industry Lawyers forum.

Joanne Attwood is ranked as a “Rising Star" in Legal 500 2023. 

Areas of focus

Our expertise in gaming law and gambling law includes the following:

  • Regulatory compliance – advising on issues arising under the Gambling Act 2005 and associated legislation.
  • Licence applications – for both land based and online operators advising on gambling licence applications and authorisations (including operating, premises and personal licences).
  • Liaison with regulators on behalf of operators in relation to applications and investigations.
  • Lotteries, prize draws and competitions – regulatory advice and drafting of commercial documents.
  • Corporate and real estate transactions including audits and transfer issues.
  • Drafting associated commercial documents such as agreements, rules and terms and conditions.

Please note we do not advise on individual gambling disputes.

Experience

Acting for a racecourse in connection with its application for a new track betting premises licence, involving drafting of application documentation and completing application process, liaison with regulatory authorities and preparation for hearing in front of licensing committee.

Advising on the regulatory and licensing implications of an unusual proposal for an online gambling scheme contained in a mobile phone app.

Acting for an online gambling operator based outside the UK in connection with its application for a remote operators licence under the Gambling (Licensing and Advertising) Act 2014, including liaison with regulatory authorities.

Advising a marketing company on the establishment of suitable prize draw and competition promotion formats, including compliance with the Gambling Act 2005 and drafting suitable rules and terms and conditions.

Advising leisure venues on gambling licence applications and authorisations (including operating, premises and personal licences) and regulatory compliance.

Advising clients on gaming and gambling issues arising on corporate and real estate deals including transfer issues.

Advising on poker and equal chance gaming in pubs, clubs and hotels.

Advising clients on the establishment of lotteries, competitions and prize draws, including compliance with the Gambling Act 2005 and drafting suitable rules and terms and conditions.

Advising clients on society lotteries including private society lotteries, small and large society lotteries and applying for operating licences.

Advising leisure venues on the provision and regulation of gaming machines.

Meet the team
Joanne Attwood

Joanne Attwood Consultant

  • Head of Licensing
  • Environment
  • Water

What others say...

Its strength lies in the high degree of professionalism, expert legal knowledge and pragmatic approach combined with exceptional client care, back-up and resources.

Legal 500 2024

Key contact

Joanne Attwood

Joanne Attwood Consultant

  • Head of Licensing
  • Environment
  • Water

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