Gambling Law & Regulation
Squire Sanders has been at the leading edge of developments in the gambling industry for the last decade. We represent some of the largest and most internationally diversified gambling operators in the world, with a particular focus on the remote (online) gambling sector.
We cover the full spectrum of work for clients in this sector including:
- Regulatory advice on new models and forms of gambling
- Obtaining licences and managing relations with regulators on an international basis
- Advising on commercial structures for the exploitation of gambling opportunities (e.g., white-label, partnerships and affiliate arrangements)
- Obtaining licences for gambling premises
- Advising on suitable jurisdictions for online operators from a tax and technical perspective
- Advertising, marketing and sponsorship arrangements
- Political lobbying
- Hospitality and real estate issues
- Specialized areas including Native American gaming regulations
- Intellectual property issues – trademark and design filing, disputes and international infringement work, gaming software copyright, patents and brand portfolio management
Our clients include:
- Casinos and hotels
- Suppliers of gaming equipment
- Government bodies
- Operators
- Principals
- Vendors
- Gaming employees
- Outside investors
- Private equity funds
Gambling has undergone a revolution in the last 15 years as it has become for the first time an international phenomenon. The Internet has changed the rules of the game. The structures that had served legislators well for decades as a means of control and taxation of gambling were suddenly and completely bypassed, and legislators and regulators have been playing catch-up ever since. We began advising on the legality of international online gambling in 1995 and are leaders in advising clients in connection with new types of gambling, new jurisdictions and new legislation.
We recognize that the world of online gambling is fraught with legal and commercial risk. Because our clients deal daily in the world of risk, we aim to provide practical solutions and tactical counsel that takes a realistic and commercial view of legal risk and best practices.
We are not afraid of taking a position. Our clients choose us because we assess risk intelligently, and discuss it plainly.
Our international reach and expertise in the sports and entertainment industry means that we are ideally placed to cater for our clients’ legal needs, as well as assist them with commercial introductions to potential sponsors or partners.
Our Europe gambling law team is led by Carl Rohsler, who has been noted by Legal 500 since 2002 for his “strong specialism” and “encyclopaedic knowledge of gambling law.” The Chambers Global guide to practitioners, covering 180 countries, listed Mr. Rohsler as one of the top 30 gambling lawyers in the world.