The land-based gambling sector is highly regulated. There is no other betting and gaming team in the UK that has represented all major bookmakers in licensing applications or has undertaken as much advocacy in contested casino applications before the Courts. We were, therefore, extremely pleased when Andrew and Paddy were referred to as, “arguably the two leading betting and gaming solicitors in the country” (Chambers Directory). Both have appeared in Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Courts, and before Licensing Committees, throughout the UK.
Paddy and Andrew have also secured their Higher Rights of Audience which enables our clients to give direct instructions, safe in the knowledge that there will be continuity of representation from instruction to court hearing. The team has been strengthened by the work Amanda Usher and Chris Rees-Gay undertake in the lotteries sector and by Amanda and Andy being appointed as legal advisors to the National Lotteries Council and their members.
The firm has a stellar list of casino clients in the UK and represents major operators such as Grosvenor, Caesars UK and Mayfair Casino as well as independent casino operators. Paddy Whur has also represented the London Borough of Newham in relation to regulating their 2005 Act Large Casino licensed premises. Paddy has been involved in satisfying various Licensing Authorities of compliance with the entry criteria when multiple casino premises licences are housed within the same building and licensing of external smoking shelters.
Andy Woods has secured new Operating licence for new entrants to the casino market in the last few years and many of those clients are non UK based. Licences have been obtained for clients from Latvia, Cambodia , Greece and Hong Kong and several other operators have received specific casino sector advice. We have a dedicated support team to assist Andy and Paddy in gathering information and documentation to support operating licence applications and a good working relationship with the UK Gambling Commission. This also includes relationships with specialist consultants and commercial lawyers.
Paddy has recently advised a number of clients who are major new entrant to the UK Adult Gaming Centre and High Street Bingo market and submitted a detailed application to the UK Gambling Commission for consideration. This has been followed by a significant number of Premises Licence applications for Chongie who operate as Little Vegas. 20+ licences have all been secured, many against significant opposition in licensing sub-committee hearings.
The firm has dealt with a considerable number of Adult Gaming Centre applications in recent years, and was particularly busy during the pandemic with submitting applications and representing clients at hearings before licensing committees. The firm has a fantastic client base of independent Adult Gaming Centre operators who they act for at, and will regularly be dealing with, contested hearings before local licensing committees.
Andy and Chris have been involved in advising clients in some of the leading enforcement cases brought by the UK Gambling Commission across all sectors and advising on strategy and document preparation as well as representing the clients at any enforcement meetings.
William Hill, Ladbrokes, Coral and Bet Fred have all been represented by the team in contested Premises Licence applications. Woods Whur continues to be instructed in contested hearings which are brought before the Committee – including Coral and a range of independents – as well as acting for Jennings Racing – the largest independent bookmaker in the South East.
Our Gambling department has extensive experience in all matters and continues to develop and maintain its reputation as the leader in the UK
Please contact Andrew Woods on 07738 170138 or andrew@woodswhur.co.uk if you would like further information.
Please contact Paddy Whur on 07738 170137 or paddy@woodswhur.co.uk if you would like further information.
Please contact Chris Rees-Gay on 07516 029758 or chris@woodswhur.co.uk if you would like further information.
Please contact Amanda Usher on 07702 802506 or amanda@woodswhur.co.uk if you would like further information.