Gaming
MANCHES LLP GAMING TEAM SERVICES
Manches LLP has a dedicated team of professionals with broad and in-depth experience with transactions, regulation and legal issues facing companies and their suppliers involved with gaming, gambling, betting and lotteries, both remote and land-based. The team regularly assists companies in this sector, from start-ups to large multinationals, in commercial and corporate transactions.
The Legal 500 and Chambers legal directories both list Manches as a leading firm in Betting and Gaming law.
SERVICES OFFERED:
Regulatory
The Gambling Act 2005 received Royal Assent in April, 2005 and will gradually replace the Gaming Act of 1968, the Betting Gaming and Lotteries Act 1968 and the Lotteries and Amusements Act 1976. Upon its implementation, the UK will become the first major country in the world to legalise and license the operation of online gambling companies on its shores. Companies and investors will need to plan their futures with the new liberalised legislation relating to gaming, gambling, betting and lotteries. Opportunities will abound for setting up or investing in onshore or offshore companies for remote and land based gambling. The Gambling Commission will have new licensing requirements which will affect all existing and future gambling operations. Mobile telephone operators, interactive television broadcasters, ISPs and any company running skill for prize competitions in the media or otherwise for fundraising will all be affected by the legislation. Remote and land-based gambling and lotteries regulatory landscape is a treacherous terrain, since the UK, US and most countries of the world impose severe criminal penalties for violations. Manches LLP has experts to guide companies though every stage of the process.
Tax
One of the key considerations for remote and land based gaming and gambling operators is compliance with requirements to pay betting duty, gaming tax, income tax and VAT. Manches LLP can assist companies in their compliance efforts and offer suggestions for structures to legally minimise taxation.
Corporate finance
The UK has become a dominant centre for the centre for public financing of companies involved in remote gambling and betting and this dominance will continue to grow. Some of the recent market valuations for remote gambling, sports betting and poker companies rivals the market valuations of long standing blue chip FTSI companies. Manches LLP has strong experience in AIM listings and assisting companies with the legal requirements for public financing. Of particular importance in these transactions is in-depth knowledge of the UK and US regulatory environment for disclosures in due diligence and public disclosure documents. With both UK and US qualified gaming lawyers, Manches LLP is uniquely suited to advise in this area.
Employment law
Gaming, gambling and betting operators, like other companies in the hospitality and leisure and retail sectors have specific recurring types of employment law issues. Manches LLP is experienced and offers sound commercial advice to employers with respect to employment contracts, employer policies and procedures, redundancy and employment terminations, immigration, part-time workers, seasonal employment, casual workers, night workers, maternity and the working time regulations and new and forthcoming UK and EU legislation.
Commercial contracts
Gaming operators, both remote and land-based, have continuing need for contracts for supply of goods and services related to their businesses.
These include contracts for software and website development, hardware, software and content procurement, licensing and maintenance, telecommunications links, web-hosting, banking and agreements with payment system providers, and agreements with advertisers, sponsors, partners, endorsed vendors and preferred suppliers.
IP protection
Manches LLP has a very strong full service IP team. We can advise on the protection of intellectual property rights worldwide and register and manage your IP portfolio. Since remote gaming companies are often doing business worldwide through the internet, it is vital for companies to be aware of the strength and vulnerabilities of their IP rights in various countries and protect them. We advise on trade marks, copyrights, designs, database rights and patents. We assist in the commercialisation of these rights through licensing. Where necessary our IP team will bring claims against others for infringement of our clients rights and defend claims brought against our clients.
Property and construction
Securing favourable legal and commercial terms for property is critical for the success of gaming, gambling and betting operators. Our property team is one of the historical strengths of Manches LLP. We can assist in asset purchases or sale and leasing of facilities for gaming, gambling and betting. We can also advice on land use rights, planning, licensing and environmental issues. Our construction team can assist in putting the right contract in place for construction of casinos, betting shops, resorts and clubs.
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