Betting and gaming
The gaming industry in parts of Europe has been hamstrung for many years by legislation designed to control all forms of gaming that could be open to commercial exploitation or abuse, and to remove the criminal element that has historically been involved in the sector.
Despite these restrictions, the gaming industry has done remarkably well. Add to this the success of internet gambling - an area in which our clients have been particularly active - and the coming into force of the Gambing Act 2005 in the UK, it is clear that there are considerable prospects for growth, particularly in the UK, for both operators and investors.
In addition, others in the leisure industry (such as airlines) are increasingly focusing on potential new revenue opportunities from, for example, onboard gaming consoles - giving rise to many legal issues.
Our experience in the betting and gaming sector includes advising:
- Harrods on setting up an on line gaming site
- Nordwestdeutsche Klassenlotterie (NKL) on various loterry-related legal issues including regulatory and IP matters as well as on the introduction of an internet cyber-lottery
- easyodds.com in relation to all aspects of setting up and operating a sports betting web portal
- Trinity Mirror and the Press Association on the disposal of their online betting business carried on through PA Sporting Life Limited to AIM listed ukbetting plc
- in relation to all aspects of setting up and operating an on-line sports betting exchange, including the acquisition of a "bookmakers" permit
- XN in connection with the proposed supply to a well known cross-channel ferry operator of an on board interactive entertainment system which included gaming and betting services