Gaming
Gibraltar’s first gambling statute was enacted in the 1950s and covered the provision of land-based gaming services; the legislation did not and could not have ever envisaged the provision of gambling services through remote means. With the introduction of the 2005 Gambling Act, Gibraltar positioned itself as a unique proposition in the gaming industry.
This industry is fast developing and the regulation of affiliate service providers is vital in the future of Gibraltar’s continued relevance and importance for the sector. Hassans has worked, and continues to do so, with the Gibraltar Government and regulator to develop the online gaming industry in Gibraltar.
Our gaming lawyers have also been involved in the successful flotation of several gaming groups and have assisted in the corporate restructuring and consolidation of various operators.
Partner Peter Montegriffo QC is considered to be the leading adviser within the jurisdiction having advised the vast majority of gaming firms in Gibraltar, and many internationally on the full range of regulatory, tax, corporate and employment matters with specialisms in telecoms, data protection and intellectual property matters.
Recent work has included:
- Advising Bet365 on the transfer of its operational hub to Gibraltar
- Advising Springowl in respect of the purchase of a 6% stake in bwin.party digital entertainment
- Advising Gamesys on their sale of certain intellectual property rights to the Intertain Group Limited for an initial purchase price of £425.8 million in cash and shares, plus an earn out. Hassans advised on all Gibraltar regulatory and corporate matters arising under the transaction.
- Advising on NYX Gaming (Gibraltar) Limited’s successful application for a remote gambling B2B licence in Gibraltar. Hassans continues to advise NYX on on-going regulatory and commercial matters impacting upon their Gibraltar-licenced operation. In November 2014, NYX Gaming Group announced the acquisition of Ongame Network Limited, a Gibraltar-based B2B poker network, from Amaya Gaming Group Inc. Hassans advised and assisted both NYX Gaming and Amaya with all Gibraltar regulatory matters arising under the transaction.
