Gaming

Casino chips and smartphone on green felt.

The gaming industry is growing, particularly in online and social gaming. That growth has translated into tremendous opportunities both for industry participants and for governments seeking sources of sustainable revenues that can support health care, education and other critical initiatives in a socially responsible manner.

Increased consolidation in the gaming industry has led to growing interest from new players, including private equity firms, First Nations and provincial governments. With heightened competition and rapidly emerging technology, industry participants recognize the need to modernize the delivery of gaming entertainment offerings.

Public expectations and legislative and regulatory frameworks are also evolving. In recognition of the importance of ensuring the honesty and integrity of all aspects of legal casino and other gaming operations, governmental authorities, operators, suppliers and other industry participants need to focus on risk assessment, accountability and the establishment of robust compliance and internal control systems. Between changes to reporting, client identification or record-keeping requirements set out in the Proceeds of Crime (Money Laundering) and Terrorist Financing Act, amendments to provincial legislation and regulations or enhanced responsible gambling initiatives, all industry stakeholders face a complex landscape that must be negotiated with great care to meet the ever-evolving demands of consumers and ensure public protection.

Work highlight

The Levy Family in theScore’s US$2 billion acquisition by Penn National Gaming

View details of this transaction

Work highlight

Apollo Global Management in its acquisition of Great Canadian Gaming Corporation for a total value of $3.3 billion

Learn more about our work with Apollo Global Management

How we can help

Capitalizing on these opportunities requires guidance from a multidisciplinary team of legal experts. Osler’s Gaming Practice Group has the insight needed to help clients navigate the gaming industry's complex and evolving legal landscape. Our position as a trusted advisor in gaming has been built over years of service to many stakeholders in the industry, including leading financial institutions, gaming operators and provincial gaming authorities.

We have extensive experience in both the private and public sectors, gained in periods of dynamic growth and regulatory scrutiny, including a nuanced and practical understanding of regulatory and licensing requirements, public policy realities unique to the industry, and operational and financing needs.

This experience affords us a deep understanding of the gaming industry's unique business, operational and legal aspects. Combined with the depth of our expertise across the spectrum of related practice areas, this makes the Osler team a valuable asset to anyone interested in establishing or growing their presence in the industry.

In addition to offering expertise in gaming law, Osler is able to leverage our platform to provide a holistic approach to the broad range of areas related to the gaming industry. Our team has a deep knowledge of the sector to offer far-reaching advice in privacy, corporate and commercial, regulatory, compliance and licensing, lending and financial services, advertising, marketing and consumer protection, technology, employment and labour/human resources, retail and distribution, real estate and construction/development.

Osler’s team of legal professionals can also assist your gaming business with procurement, government relations, crisis management, M&A and joint ventures, e-commerce, Indigenous relations, litigation, outsourcing, data management and health and safety issues. We have represented gaming industry participants in defending class actions and will continue as leaders and valuable partners to businesses in this exciting and rapidly evolving space.

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