William J. Downey

William J. Downey

Gaming Law

5.0 (1 reviews)
Linwood, New Jersey
34+ years experience
Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP
Updated:

Contact Information

650 New Road, Suite C, Linwood, NJ 08221
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Bio

Co-chair of the firm’s Gaming group, Bill Downey has built a reputation as one of the most respected attorneys in the gaming industry.With more than 25 years of experience in the Atlantic City and Pennsylvania markets, Bill has been counseling mid-Atlantic casinos and other participants in the casino and hospitality industries on the regulatory, corporate and real estate aspects of their ventures. He has extensive experience in the prosecution of license applications before regulatory bodies, operational issues and financing transactions. His unique combination of experience in these areas is beneficial as European companies look to expand and partner with companies in the U.S.Specifically, Bill’s practice includes guiding clients through business transactions, including regulation, acquisitions and dispositions, real estate, corporate and real estate finance, venture structure and entity formation and governance. He regularly represents a wide variety of gaming clients in front of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission. He also has experience drafting and negotiating employment and professional services agreements. Co-chair of the firm’s Gaming group, Bill Downey has built a reputation as one of the most respected attorneys in the gaming industry.With more than 25 years of experience in the Atlantic City and Pennsylvania markets, Bill has been counseling mid-Atlantic casinos and other participants in the casino and hospitality industries on the regulatory, corporate and real estate aspects of their ventures. He has extensive experience in the prosecution of license applications before regulatory bodies, operational issues and financing transactions. His unique combination of experience in these areas is beneficial as European companies look to expand and partner with companies in the U.S.Specifically, Bill’s practice includes guiding clients through business transactions, including regulation, acquisitions and dispositions, real estate, corporate and real estate finance, venture structure and entity formation and governance. He regularly represents a wide variety of gaming clients in front of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission. He also has experience drafting and negotiating employment and professional services agreements. Co-chair of the firm’s Gaming group, Bill Downey has built a reputation as one of the most respected attorneys in the gaming industry. With more than 25 years of experience in the Atlantic City and Pennsylvania markets, Bill has been counseling mid-Atlantic casinos and other participants in the casino and hospitality industries on the regulatory, corporate and real estate aspects of their ventures. He has extensive experience in the prosecution of license applications before regulatory bodies, operational issues and financing transactions. His unique combination of experience in these areas is beneficial as European companies look to expand and partner with companies in the U.S. Specifically, Bill’s practice includes guiding clients through business transactions, including regulation, acquisitions and dispositions, real estate, corporate and real estate finance, venture structure and entity formation and governance. He regularly represents a wide variety of gaming clients in front of the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, New Jersey Casino Control Commission, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board and the Pennsylvania Horse Racing Commission. He also has experience drafting and negotiating employment and professional services agreements.

Practice Areas

Gaming Law

Awards & Recognition

  • Lawyer of the Year: Gaming Law, Atlantic City (2026)
  • Lawyer of the Year: Gaming Law, Atlantic City (2024)
  • Recognized: Gaming Law
  • Practice Area: International Mergers and Acquisitions

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2022

Education

  • Rutgers University–Camden, J.D., graduated 1991

Reviews

M

Mary Hall

2 weeks ago

A True Expert in Gaming Law and Atlantic City Business

Our company was navigating a complex regulatory compliance issue with the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, a situation that threatened significant operational delays. From our first consultation, Bill Downey’s deep, three-decade understanding of the Atlantic City landscape was immediately apparent. He didn't just cite the law; he explained the practical realities of how regulations are applied here, drawing on his extensive history in this specific market. His guidance was strategic, clear, and always focused on achieving a workable business solution, not just a legal one. His recent recognition as Lawyer of the Year was no surprise to us—it reflects the caliber of counsel he provides. Thanks to Bill's expertise and steady hand, we resolved the matter efficiently and can now proceed with confidence. For any gaming-related legal matter in this region, he is the definitive choice.

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