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.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The team comprises highly experienced lawyers who have extensive knowledge and practice in this area. The team's commitment to their clients' matters, its ongoing and almost immediate support, is highly regarded as well.’

  • 'Commercial insight and creative thinking are not to be taken for granted. The team at BCLP contributes these in spades.'
  • 'Pragmatic thinkers who look for solutions.'

Key clients

  • New Lottery Company
  • Playtech
  • Playtika
  • SuperPlay
  • Huuuge Inc

Work highlights

  • Advised long-standing client Playtech plc on its investment in Hard Rock Digital (HRD), the interactive gaming and sports betting division of Hard Rock International and Seminole Gaming, as part of a wider deal between the two businesses.
  • Acting for Northern & Shell PLC in relation to its bid to run the UK National Lottery, a contract valued in the vicinity of £10 billion.
  • Advised Huuuge Inc, a global developer and publisher of free-to-play mobile games, in connection with its initial investment and subsequent potential acquisition of Bananaz Studios Ltd.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Jeremy Bark, Benjamin Lee, Marie Johnson