Skip to main content

Terence M. Dunleavy focuses on regulatory, licensing, compliance, and transactional legal services in the gaming industry. He represents a diverse range of clients, including casino companies, racetrack owners and operators, Native American tribes, video gaming terminal owners, gaming manufacturers and suppliers, sportsbook operators, game developers, and financial institutions investing in the gaming sector. His practice spans Illinois, the United States, and international jurisdictions.

Terry’s experience in the gaming industry is rooted in his governmental roles. He served as the executive director and general counsel of the Illinois Racing Board and was appointed by the governor as the first member of the Wisconsin Gaming Commission. He also held the position of executive director of the Wisconsin Racing Board, providing him with insights into the regulatory perspective, which he applies when advising clients on matters before gaming regulatory bodies such as the Illinois Gaming Board.

Terry assists clients with drafting and implementing complex legislation and gaming compliance programs. He represents gaming companies in matters related to proposed new and existing operations, including financing and refinancing of gaming projects, as well as litigation and related disciplinary matters. His work extends to international clients, having represented interests in various countries, including Antigua, Argentina, Cambodia, China (Macao), Colombia, England, Ireland, Mexico, Mongolia, Northern Marianas Islands, Panama, Philippines, Spain, and Uruguay.

Concentrations

  • International gaming
  • Tribal gaming
  • Sports betting
  • Gaming licensing and regulation
  • Mergers and acquisitions

Capabilities

Experience

  • Lead regulatory counsel to Hawthorne Race Course in the awarding of its preliminary approval to become Illinois’s first-ever racino. (2020).°
  • Lead regulatory counsel to 815 Entertainment and Hard Rock Casino Rockford in the awarding of its approval for a temporary casino license – the first casino approval since Governor JB Pritzker signed the Illinois Gaming Expansion Bill into law in 2019. (2020).°
  • Regulatory counsel to Blue Owl Capital in the purchase of the land associated with Tribune Publishing, the soon-to-be home of Chicago’s $1.7 billion permanent casino – the City’s first. (2023).°
  • Lead regulatory counsel to Walker’s Bluff Casino Resort (Walker’s Bluff, Illinois) which opened August 2023.°
  • Lead transactional and regulatory attorney to the $250 million construction loan and sale-leaseback between 815 Entertainment, LLC and Gaming & Leisure Properties, Inc. for the development of Hard Rock Casino Rockford (Rockford, Illinois). (2023).°

°The above representations were handled by Mr. Dunleavy prior to his joining Greenberg Traurig, LLP.

  • Gaming Commissioner/Board Member, Wisconsin Racing Board, 1988-1993
  • Executive Director/General Counsel, Illinois Racing Board, 1983-1988
  • Vice President/Chief of Compliance, WMS Industries, Inc. (WMS Gaming, Inc.), 1994-2000
  • Executive Director/Senior Attorney, Madison Gas & Electric Company, 1993-1994

Recognition & Leadership

  • Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Gaming Law, 2021-2025
  • Listed, Leading Lawyers Network
  • Member, International Association of Gaming Attorneys

Credentials

Education
  • J.D., Northern Illinois University - College of Law
  • B.A., cum laude, Lewis University
Admissions
  • Illinois
  • Wisconsin
  • Supreme Court of Illinois
  • Supreme Court of Wisconsin

Related Capabilities

Gaming International Gaming Gaming Licensing & Regulation Tribal Gaming Sports Betting Corporate