Craig Simpkin

Craig Simpkin

Legal Columnist

Craig is an experienced journalist who has been covering the iGaming market in the UK for more than a decade. He has a keen eye for legal stories, with a particular specialism in reporting on regulatory changes that could impact the domestic market.

What makes Craig Simpkin an expert?

Craig has seen it all in his years of reporting on the UK gambling scene, surviving numerous governments and the changes that they have introduced!

He has written extensively on legal matters for a number of publications and media outlets, developing a keen eye for a story. Craig started out as a junior reporter in 2014, writing for a range of clients, including ICS Digital, Synaptic Media, and MoveUp Media.

He is delighted to bring his expertise to TheLines after joining the team in April 2026.

Craig Simpkin Expertise

The legal landscape in iGaming is broad, to say the least, so I have chosen to specialise in a handful of key fields”

Regulation

Regulation is my bread and butter. I have a working knowledge of the Gambling Act and its impact on the industry, while maintaining a keen interest in the latest developments from the government and the Gambling Commission.

Player Safety

I recognise the importance of player safety too, which often goes hand-in-hand with integrity and compliance. I’m always on the hunt for exclusives in this field, particularly operators that have been sanctioned by the regulator for malpractice in their social responsibility and/or AML failings.

Commercial Partnerships

Commercial partnerships are another area of expertise; I have watched from afar as countless sponsorship deals between gambling operators and sports teams/events have been penned, and the occasional legal challenges that have emerged from them.

Intellectual Property Disputes

As operators increasingly adopt new and exciting technological advancements in their websites and apps, so too can another issue arise: intellectual property disputes.
This is another area of gambling law that I’m particularly interested in, and expect to see plenty more developments in it in the months and years ahead.

FAQ

Why did you decide to become a legal journalist?
Three of my personal interests — law, sports, and the gambling industry — converge in my work, which is why I enjoy writing about this space so much.
How do you research and verify the information in your articles?
Articles are often only as strong as the source material that goes into them. I’m very particular about the sources I use and triple-check the details, cross-referencing with other sources where possible, to ensure the integrity and reliability of my writing.
What is most important for you when writing legal content?
I want all of my content to tick two boxes: to be informative and entertaining at the same time. Legal writing doesn’t have to be grey and boring!
How do you stay up to date with topics you cover?
I have a lengthy address book of contacts and sources, and I keep an eye on all the key channels for legal news — both the obvious media outlets and the more unexpected ones.
More about Craig Simpkin

Recent Articles by Craig Simpkin

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