Our Gaming and Gambling Unit provides specialist advice to businesses in what has become one of the fastest growing and dynamic sectors in recent years. Our clients range from entrepreneurial start-ups to major operators in both the gaming and gambling areas with both an online and offline presence. We have worked with some of the leading names in the gaming and betting sectors.

The last few years has also seen the emergence of private member club casinos, poker tournaments, spread betting companies and a plethora of online platforms offering gaming and betting opportunities. These new methods of betting and gambling were not anticipated by the relevant legislation, which, in the main, is several decades old. We have helped our clients navigate, interpret and apply the legislation that applies to these new delivery methods.

The Unit has in-depth knowledge in advising businesses in the betting and gaming industry and, in particular, on the implications of the Betting Act 1931 and the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1956 to 2003.

Regulatory controls are on the horizon especially for casinos and Internet gaming and gambling operators. This prospect is supported by the establishment of the Casino Regulation Committee in September 2006 and which is due to report in early 2007. If the report of the Casino Regulation Committee leads to new regulatory controls, it may lead to new opportunities in the marketplace for existing businesses and new entrants, although it may be restrictive for others. The firm is ideally placed to advise operators of gaming and gambling businesses in Ireland, both onshore and offshore, in understanding and complying with the regulatory environment.

Our Gaming and Gambling Unit brings together personnel from across the firm, including from our Business and Litigation and Dispute Resolution Departments. This breadth of personnel enables us to offer complete advice, and fully integrated support to our clients in this growing area.

The scope of our work includes providing advice and guidance on the following:

• Bookmaking activities and licensing, including advising on novel and emerging products such as Fixed Odds Betting Terminals ("FOBT'S");
  
  
• Remote/Internet gaming and gambling;
  
  
• Gaming and leisure activities;
  
  
• Casino and poker operations;
  
  
• Amusement arcades and slot machines;
  
  
• Lotteries, competitions, promotions and licensing applications both for gambling/gaming operations and traditional businesses;
  
  
• Technology and database licensing, and intellectual property issues generally;
  
  
• Multi-jurisdictional and offshore enterprises and issues;
  
  
• Franchise models;
  
  
• Advising on all aspects of regulatory compliance;
  
  
• Advertising restrictions and sponsorship arrangements; and
  
  
• EU law, self-regulation and cross-border regulation.