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// PUBLIC GAMING INTERNATIONAL // May/June 2016
Paul Jason:
Congratulations for the launch of Pharum-
legal. Why this change, and why now?
Philippe Vlaemminck:
We discussed these ques-
tions in detail, and strongly believe that a more focused,
flexible, dynamic, and highly specialized team can do
better work for our clients. The gaming industry, the
political environment, and the legal/regulatory issues
are changing. Pharumlegal was formed to serve our
mission to provide our clients the most effective legal
counsel in these times of change and opportunity for
operators of government-gaming.
Beata Guzik:
The Lottery world is changing, as are
other sectors of the economy. Our job is to understand
the broader scope of how the EU political and regula-
tory landscape is evolving. We learn from the different
approaches that are applied by other sectors, and how EU
institutions are applying the law to other sectors. Think
about how climate change (COP21), the Energy market,
and the EU circular economy contribute to environmen-
tal, social and economic growth; and how the Internet
of Things will impact every day’s life. The complexity of
the issues, and the diversity in the ways that industries are
addressing them, requires a more targeted and specialized
approach towards the formulation of legal strategies and
action-plans for government-gaming operators.
Why the name “Pharumlegal?”
B. Guzik:
We brought together the word
“pharus”(the Latin word for lighthouse), and “forum”
(the place where justice took place in Rome during
the ancient times). The Forum Romanum was also the
most important hub for political discourse. We added
the word “legal” because that is our primary skill-set
and approach towards the EU institutions. It’s just that
the rendering of justice in the EU, certainly as it relates
the gaming sector, is just as much about politics and
public affairs as it is about the law!
How would you describe the mission or core competency of
Pharumlegal?
P. Vlaemminck:
Our mission is to provide our clients
with guidance and protection. We guide them through
the EU labyrinth, the EUTreaties, and the EU secondary
legislation as well as the political, administrative, and legal
procedures that can affect their business. Our goal is to
protect their business and to support their future.
How does this change improve your ability to serve the
cause of defending the European Lottery Principles?
P. Vlaemminck:
The future of Lotteries is still an
issue. Lotteries play an important and, in our view in-
creasingly important, role in today’s society. People want
fun, but are also concerned about the non-economic as-
Defending the Principles
of the Government-
Gaming Model
by
PHILIPPE
VLAEMMINCK
,
managing
partner
and
BEATA GUZIK,
director
public
affairs
—PHARUMLEGAL
BRUSSELS
pharumlegal
.
eu
PGRI Introduction:
The gaming and gambling sector is going through a period of significant national and Eu-
ropean regulatory changes, the end-result of which is unknown. The rapid growth in this sector and its highly
dynamic and exciting nature offer both challenges and opportunities to all government-gaming stakeholders.
Philippe Vlaemminck and his team have three decades of experience in this sector, and are ideally po-
sitioned to provide their clients with strategic and long-term legal support in achieving their objectives.
Pharumlegal’s gaming and gambling practice consists entirely of expert lawyers who offer unparalleled legal
experience, knowledge and understanding of the issues facing the government-gaming sector. The team
combines in-depth knowledge of all gaming and gambling issues with a strong EU law as well as compara-
tive legal focus. It’s this ability to seamlessly move across EU and national jurisdictions around Europe along
with its dedication to the principles of government-gaming that enables Pharumlegal to provide a uniquely
strategic approach towards navigating a challenging regulatory landscape.
Pharumlegal advises governments, regulators, and trade associations as well as public and private opera-
tors on gambling-related regulatory issues at EU and member-state level, handling litigation (EU Court of
Justice, General Court, EFTA Court, national courts), notification procedures, complex multi-jurisdictional
contracts, gaming rules and legislation, licensing (including renewal), concession agreements, and public
procurement processes for clients.
Philippe Vlaemminck is recognised as an authority on the subject EU regulatory law as it applies to gaming
and gambling and has collaborated with government-gaming operators in shaping the regulatory debate.