Chief Legal Officer / Head of Legal

We are looking for an experienced CLO / Head of Legal to take ownership of the legal function within an international iGaming business operating across multiple markets. This is a business-oriented leadership role covering licensing, corporate matters, contracts, compliance, data protection, and legal risk management. The Head of Legal will work directly with senior management and help turn regulatory requirements and legal risks into practical solutions that support business growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead legal and regulatory support across existing and new markets, including iGaming license applications, renewals and expansion, regulatory reporting, communication with authorities, and coordination with local legal advisers

• Assess requirements for new jurisdictions, covering gambling regulation, local presence, taxation, advertising and promotions, while monitoring legislative changes and translating them into practical requirements for the business

• Oversee the group’s corporate structure, including entity incorporation and maintenance, ownership changes, intercompany arrangements, substance matters, and related KYC and tax considerations in cooperation with the CFO

• Support relationships with banks, EMIs, and corporate service providers, including account opening and ongoing corporate and compliance matters

• Own the full contracting function across gaming and payment providers, aggregators, KYC/anti-fraud and SaaS vendors, affiliates, media partners, employment/B2B relationships, NDAs, and IP matters; develop standardized templates and internal approval procedures

• Oversee AML/CFT, KYC/KYB, sanctions compliance, GDPR and other applicable data protection requirements, working closely with the MLRO, Security, and relevant business teams

• Provide legal oversight of responsible gaming requirements and customer-facing documentation, including Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policies, bonus terms, promotional rules, age restrictions, and self-exclusion

• Manage legal disputes and asset protection matters, including player claims, ADR, regulatory complaints, chargebacks, payment-provider disputes, debt recovery, trademarks, domains, phishing, and unauthorized brand use

• Coordinate external law firms and advisers, managing scope, quality, and legal spend, as well as budgets related to licensing and registration

• Build and develop the internal Legal function through hiring, mentoring, and allocation of responsibilities, while acting as a business partner to executive leadership and providing practical solutions alongside legal risk assessments

Requirements

• 5+ years of hands-on legal practice in the iGaming sector, whether within an operator, platform provider, or industry-focused law firm; at least 2 years should include responsibility for leading the legal function or working independently as the sole in-house lawyer

• A completed university-level legal education and a strong foundation in cross-border corporate and private international law, including international structures, conflict-of-law principles, jurisdiction and governing-law matters, and international contractual arrangements

• Practical exposure to the regulatory side of online gambling, with a clear understanding of operator obligations and licensing frameworks such as Curaçao, Malta, Anjouan, or comparable jurisdictions

• Strong knowledge of the commercial and legal specifics of iGaming, including contractual relationships with gaming and payment providers and the regulatory implications associated with bonus mechanics

• Proven competence in AML/KYC and GDPR matters as they apply specifically to online gambling operations

• Extensive contract ownership experience: able to independently prepare documentation, assess legal terms, negotiate directly with counterparties, and bring agreements through to completion

• Ability to operate effectively when legislation or regulatory guidance does not provide a straightforward answer, assessing legal exposure while finding solutions that remain workable for the business

• Languages proficiency: C1+ English for independent work in an international legal environment, including negotiations, contract drafting and correspondence; fluent/native Russian for effective communication with the team, key stakeholders and management.

Would be a plus

• First-hand involvement in taking an iGaming licence from initial application through to approval

• Experience advising on the legal aspects of cryptocurrency-based payment flows

• Familiarity with the rules governing gambling advertising and promotion across relevant jurisdictions

• Professional qualification or admission to legal practice in one of the applicable jurisdictions

What's in it for you

• A senior-level role with the opportunity to influence decisions around new markets, products, and the broader business strategy

• Freedom to build the Legal function around your own approach, defining its structure, internal processes, and future team setup

• Flexible working arrangements with a choice between remote and hybrid formats, plus relocation assistance where needed

• Resources to engage external legal expertise when required, alongside support for continuous professional development through training, certifications, and industry events

• Competitive compensation tailored to the candidate’s experience and discussed individually during the hiring process

• Paid vacation and sick leave, as well as compensation for work equipment