Nick Nocton

Nick is a Partner in the Innovation Department. He is Head of the Firm's top ranked Betting and Gaming Group and its Interactive Entertainment division. With over 25 years' experience advising companies from all parts of the gambling and games industries, Nick's practice spans commercial and corporate transactions, as well as compliance and regulatory advice, including investigations and enforcement proceedings.   Nick is especially well known for advising on the regulatory aspects of multi-jurisdictional corporate transactions, as well as complex regulatory investigations.  

Nick also advises on emerging technologies and product innovations, including the use of crypto-assets and virtual currencies to monetise games and drive customer engagement, as well as sweepstakes, skill gaming, esports, social gaming and gamification generally.  

Nick's clients include multinational gambling operators; game publishers; software developers; gaming machine and equipment manufacturers; investors and financial institutions; as well as regulators.

Nick is identified as a "gaming and betting expert" by Chambers UK and Chambers Global with clients deeming him a "tremendous lawyer". Legal 500 have recognised him as a Leading Individual in this sector and he is part of the Hall of Fame. Nick is also a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) and the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).

Key Experience

• Advising licensing and regulatory requirements leading jurisdictions, including multi-jurisdictional reviews
• Providing advice and legal opinions on prize competitions and other unregulated products, including on the use of cryptoassets and virtual currencies
• Representing numerous operators and individuals in regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings brought by the Gambling Commission and other regulators
• Advising Aristocrat on the multi-jurisdictional gambling regulatory aspects of its £1.2bn takeover of NeoGames.
• Advising DraftKings in relation to the multi-jurisdictional gambling regulatory aspects of its merger with SBTech (Global) and Diamond Eagle Acquisition Corp ($3.3bn combined market cap).
• Advising Aristocrat on the multi-jurisdictional gambling regulatory aspects of its recommended £2.1bn takeover of Playtech Plc.
• Advising an unsuccessful bidder in the auction process leading to 888 Holdings Plc's acquisition of William Hill.
• Advising Hydra Industries Acquisition Corp. (now Inspired Entertainment Inc.) on its acquisition of Inspired Gaming
• Advising private equity and institutional investors on acquisitions and investments in regulated gambling businesses

Career History

Partner, Mishcon de Reya LLP
University of Bristol, LLB (Hons)