Hawkbridge was established in 2026 by Bahar Alaeddini, John Hagan and David Whyte - the partners of Harris Hagan, the leading specialist gambling law firm in the City of London. Together they bring more than sixty years' experience at the most senior level of the global gambling industry, with sustained work across the principal regulated markets in Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.
Hawkbridge offers the gambling industry sharp, pragmatic counsel - informed by the industry without being captive to it.
We think ahead of the regulator. Our work covers the products, strategies and approaches clients are considering before they engage with regulators - anticipating the questions the regulator will ask, the rules the regulator may apply, and the path that will produce the best outcome.
We advise on the regulatory questions that determine whether a gambling business can enter a market, retain its licence, or change hands - and on how to respond when one of those questions is contested. Our work spans licensing strategy, regulator engagement, enforcement, and the policy and product questions that will shape the rules to come.
We advise on the commercial questions that determine where a gambling business should compete, what it should buy, and what it is worth. Our work spans growth strategy, market entry, M&A, and investor advisory.
We advise on the operational questions that determine whether a gambling business can deliver what its strategy and its licence require - and on the choices that follow. Our work spans product and technology, compliance operations, customer operations, and integration, drawn from the experience of having run these functions inside businesses.