Biography Photo of Michael D Lipton

Michael D. Lipton, K.C.

Partner
Michael D. Lipton, a senior partner based in Dickinson Wright’s Toronto office, focuses his practice on gaming law. He regularly represents governments, casino operators, gaming equipment suppliers/manufacturers, payment processors, and licensees throughout North America on gaming compliance and governance issues. Michael has also been recognized by Best Lawyers in Canada® since 2008. He has authored numerous articles in gaming law publications and spoken at many conferences worldwide. He has earned a global reputation as an outstanding gaming regulatory counsel.

Education & Credentials

Education

University of Toronto

Osgoode Hall Law School

LL.B, 1965

Acknowledgements

  • Chambers Global Guide, "Senior Statesman," Gaming & Licensing - Nationwide, 2024-2025
  • Who’s Who Legal Canada, Sports & Entertainment Law, 2021, 2023 
  • Law Clerk to the Chief Justice of Ontario, 1967-68
  • Appointed Queen's Counsel by Government of Ontario, 1979
  • Member of the New York State Bar, 1985
  • Certified as a Specialist in Civil Litigation by Law Society of Upper Canada, 1989-2021
  • Best Lawyers in Canada®
    • Gaming Law, 2008-2025
    • "Lawyer of the Year," Gaming Law 2014, 2017, 2020 
  • Chambers Canada Guide
    • Gaming & Licensing - Nationwide, 2024
    • "Senior Statesman," Gaming & Licensing
  • Chambers Global Guide
    • "Senior Statesman," Gaming & Gambling

Representative Clients

  • 888 Holdings plc
  • Caesars Entertainment Corporation
  • GVC Services Ltd.
  • Ellipse Entertainment Ltd
  • IGT Global Solutions Corporation
  • Kaizen Gaming
  • LGT Venture LLC
  • MIR Limited
  • Oaktree Capital Management

Prominent Assignments

  • Appearances before all levels of Court, including the Supreme Court of Canada  
  • Extensive practice before gaming regulatory authorities throughout Canada
  • Advise clients in regard to compliance, AML, governance, procurement policies and due diligence requirements integral to the gaming and hospitality industries
  • Counseled clients in regard to amendments to gaming legislation enacted by government of Ontario including drafting legislative amendments
  • Advise charitable organizations, public and private corporations in regard to gaming provisions of the Canadian Criminal Code
  • Represent self-regulatory bodies in prosecutions of non-licensees

Professional Involvement

  • International Masters of Gaming Law, Founding Member & Past President
  • Member of the American Bar Association and editor of the Canadian Gaming Lawyer 

Community Involvement

  • Awarded Medal of Service by the City of Toronto
  • Awarded Commemorative Medal for the 125 Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada by the Government of Canada
  • Awarded Industry Leadership and Outstanding Contribution by Canadian Gaming Association for 2011

Publications/Presentations

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