- Queen Mary University of London
1982-1985 - London College of Law
1985-1986
MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS
In July 2019, while under Birrell’s leadership, Lottoland reached a milestone as it passed its 10 million customers mark. This was an important event for the group, as in May 2015 Lottoland had just celebrated its one-millionth customer.
As of June 2024, Birrell celebrated his 10th year as CEO.
EMPLOYMENT
Birrell began his gaming career over 18 years ago, initially joining Party Gaming (now Entain) in 2005 during the 'poker boom.' With a background in legal and investment banking, Birrell was hired with a focus on M&A, to aid in growing the company to multi-product and multi-jurisdictional. However, in 2006 the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) was passed, greatly reducing Party Gaming's scope. Despite this setback, Birrell continued in his M&A work for the company.
He moved on from the company after several years in 2013. This was the year Birrell met Lottoland's Founder, David Rosen, in Gibraltar, where Lottoland had recently established itself.
Birrell’s career at Lottoland started in May 2014 when he was appointed as the only Non-Executive Director on the Board of Lottoland. After eight months, in May 2014, he became Group CEO.
Birrell is also currently serving as a Non-Executive Chairman for Duke Royalty and the Southern Rock Insurance Company.
Between July 2013 and June 2014, he worked as a Consultant for Bwin Party Digital Entertainment (currently known as GVC), where he was in charge of managing all the group’s non-core investments and advising the CEO and CFO. Before that, he served as Bwin Party Digital Entertainment’s Group Director for seven years and eight months.
Between August 1999 and November 2005, Birrell served as HIT Entertainment’s Main Board Director.
During his career, he held other positions, including SVP of Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette for one year and four months, Corporate Finance for Dresdner Kleinwort for ten years and Solicitor at Timuss, Sainer & Webb (currently known as Decherts) for over two years.
PRODUCTS LAUNCHED
While the business began operations in Germany, this soon developed to include other territories, including Austria, Switzerland, the UK, South Africa and many more. Birrell admitted that the business may have something of a limited scope due to its regulatory requirements, but this has not stopped the business from accessing a global audience.
In May 2016, the group was granted an Irish licence, allowing the launch of Lottoland Ireland.
In May 2020, the group launched the Win-Win Chatiry Lotto, where 20p of every pound bet is donated to chosen UK charities. In April 2021, Lottoland added two new charity partners (the Prader-Willi Syndrome Association UK and Blue Cross) to the charity lotto.
In February 2022, Lottoland signed a deal with Relax Gaming. Thanks to this agreement, the group’s customer base gained access to Relax Gaming’s portfolio.
As of June 2024, Birrell estimates Lottoland to be active in 15 territories
"Lottoland is essentially lottery tourism. I like to liken it to the ability of a client in one country to purchase a lottery ticket or effectively have access to a lottery win in another country without having to travel to that country" Nigel Birrell
Interviews and public speeches
We spoke to Birrell in an episode of The Huddle, discussing issues such as Lottoland's journey, AI and the American market.
