Michael Messent
Partner
Licensing, Betting & Gaming Team
Michael is one of the leading licensing lawyers in the country and has built up a national profile. He has extensive experience in betting, gaming and liquor licensing matters, both as an adviser and as an advocate. Michael is skilled in dealing with the most complex licensing law issues and Court hearings in the field of betting and gambling law.
Michael has acted for bookmaking giant Ladbrokes since 1976. Recently he assisted them throughout the transitional process for the new betting laws resulting from the Gambling Act 2005. Along with the other members of the Licensing Team, Michael also advises a number of other bookmakers, as well as the industry's trade association, the Association of British Bookmakers.
In recent years Michael has also advised a substantial number of UK casino operators on the setup of casino operations and related gambling law. He also advised a number of operators on proposed offshore internet gambling services in advance of the Gambling Act 2005.
Michael is acknowledged in the ‘Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession’ and ‘Legal 500’ Directories as one of the UK’s top licensing specialists. He is a well respected and “extremely accomplished” licensing lawyer and is regarded as “top of the list” for difficult opposed applications. Clients view the firm’s instruction by the biggest UK bookmaker as a “clear indicator of quality”.
Career
- Partner since 1976
Professional Qualifications, Accreditations and Memberships
- Law Society Member
- Member of the Oriental Club, London, W1
- Recommended by Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession
- Recommended by Legal 500
Specialist Areas
Betting and Gaming
Casino Licensing
Internet Gambling
Liquor Licensing
Lotteries and Prize Competitions
E-mail: michael.messent@trethowans.com
Direct dial: 023 8082 0459
