Gaming and Gambling law
Lorenz offers unique expertise in gaming and gambling law matters. We are proud to have had the opportunity to offer practical solutions to traditional games of chance operators (casinos, games rooms, circles and sweepstakes), interactive games operators, i.e., online and remote (social) gaming and gambling operators, payment service providers, internet service providers, software houses and to trade associations.
Our expertise extends to both EU law and national law. Our EU law expertise covers the application of fundamental freedoms, internal market legislation, competition law and state aid law, to the specific sector of games of chance.
At a national level, Lorenz counsels its clients on all matters related to the application of the Belgian on-line and off line gambling legislation. Through its network, Lorenz is able to advise on and implement European-wide projects. Equally, we assist clients with public affairs projects.
In addition, Lorenz offers a multidisciplinary approach: legal assistance is offered in various areas of law that are closely connected with games of chance law, such as entertainment law, media law, advertising, IT law and privacy law. This multi-disciplinary approach offers great benefits to our clients.
Lorenz offers the following legal services:
- Advice on market entry strategies, including advocacy and/or challenging the validity of legal restrictions on (non-) domestic service providers, including litigation;
- Advice on regulatory compliance, drafting compliance programs and/or carrying out compliance audits, including on issues such as consumer protection, advertising and privacy;
- Support clients throughout the process of obtaining a license, preparing the application and liaising with the regulator to ensure a smooth application process;
- Assist with any licensing and tendering litigation;
- Assist with public affairs process; e.g, drafting position papers, organize speaking arrangements and lobbying government offcials;
- Conduct legal (administrative) proceedings before national courts and tribunals as well as before the Court of Justice of the European Union.
Specific highlights of our work include:
- Participation in the Harvard Medical School study investigating links between European gambling regulations and the actual gambling behaviours of players;
- Advice on the reach of the Belgian online gambling legislation to administrative authorities overviewing the gambling sector in other jurisdictions, including the compatibility of Belgian legislation with EU law;
- Counselling financial and internet service providers’ professional organisations on the implications of the online gambling legislation to their members;
- Co-drafting a complaint with the Directorate General Internal Market and Services of the European Commission against the Belgian online gambling legislation;
- Assisting an important online gambling operator about whether that operator could advertise on billboards during a football game;
- Assisting commercial representatives of online gambling operators about the possible criminal sanctions for violating the online gambling legislation;
- Assisting a commercial broadcaster with regard to broadcasts involving games and advertisements for online gaming operators.