Across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Pace-O-Matic’s (or “POM’s”) “skill-based” games have been creeping into bars, gas stations, restaurants, and other local establishments. These games resemble slot machines in their...more
Stepping on Toes: The Fortnite Legal Dance Battle Victory Royale? - Not quite. In a recent opinion, the Ninth Circuit held that Fortnite’s developer Epic Games might be liable for infringing a well-known choreographer’s...more
While Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act continues to face significant calls for reform or even elimination, the recent Coffee v. Google case illustrates that Section 230 continues to provide broad protection to...more
At the height of the COVID-19 lockdown, the Supreme Court of Texas issued an opinion that may lead to the shutdown of “eight-liner game rooms” across Texas. In the City of Fort Worth v. Rylie, 602 S.W.3d 459, 463 (Tex....more
The allegations of gambling issues with games continues. Last week, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple relating to games in its App Store that include loot boxes. The complaint alleges that sale of such games are...more
The Supreme Court of Nevada ruled that the Nevada trade secret law does not preclude a defendant from demonstrating that information is readily ascertainable and therefore not a trade secret even when the defendant acquired...more
The concept of par value has largely fallen into desuetude. Thus, I was surprised to see a Nevada Supreme Court opinion dealing with stolen par value. I can understand stealing par value shares, but how does anyone steal...more
On April 23, 2018, Ohio’s new skill-based amusement machines regulations will become effective. Under these new regulations, every location that offers its patrons merchandise prizes or gas cards in exchange for tickets or...more
Happy (almost) Spring! The Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) held a special meeting on March 7th in Chicago. Before we provide a synopsis of both the Riverboat and Video Gaming meetings, we wanted to take a few moments to discuss...more
The regulation of skill-based gaming devices in New Jersey has continued to evolve. Most recently, on January 16, 2018, the proposed permanent regulation for skill-based gaming devices (N.J.A.C. 13:69-1.28Y) was not adopted...more
A Category 4 slot machine licensee will be authorized to operate no less than 300 and no more than 750 slot machines at a licensed facility (“ Category 4 casino”). Act 42 prohibits a Category 4 casino from being built...more
On Election Day, Massachusetts residents said “yes, please” to marijuana, but “no, thank you” to an additional fruit machine in the Commonwealth. Ballot Question 1 would have expanded the Commonwealth’s Gaming Act to allow...more
On July 20, the Polish government adopted a draft amendment to the Polish Gambling Act (“Draft Amendment”). The Draft Amendment was notified to the European Commission and until October 31, 2016, awaits comments and...more
After being featured prominently at last year’s Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas, skill-based slot machines—think Angry Birds, Candy Crush, or Guitar Hero, but played for cash—have been heralded as the heir apparent to the...more
A petition to allow a second slots parlor in Massachusetts has moved one step closer to advancing to the November 2016 ballot. In December 2015, opponents to the ballot initiative filed suit challenging the petition on the...more
Massachusetts voters may have the choice to “hit” or “stand” on another gaming establishment. A potential ballot question for this November is whether the Massachusetts Gaming Commission (“MGC”) should be allowed to issue an...more
The game of skill vs. game of chance debate has been the focus of gaming law for years now. Until recently, it was largely discussed in the context of poker and fantasy sports betting. A new arena for debate is now upon us,...more
BEYOND THE SLOT MACHINE: NEW BILL DIRECTS NEVADA’S GAMING REGULATORS TO CRAFT REGULATIONS TO ALLOW “HYBRID” GAMES - Nevada is the world’s preeminent gaming destination. Not by chance, but by being a leader in...more
A popular and profitable form of gaming has sparked a controversy in Idaho between the state’s Indian tribes and horse racetracks. "Instant Racing" video slot machines replay the last seconds of horse races run in the past,...more
A nearly unanimous Pennsylvania Supreme Court reversed the Commonwealth Court and held that certain promotional expenses were deductible in calculating gross terminal revenue for purposes of the 34 percent Pennsylvania tax on...more
During the last week of February, the Massachusetts Gaming Commission discussed the three final applications vying for the sole Category 2 slots-parlor license available in the Commonwealth and awarded the sole slot-parlor...more
Nevada Legislature Considers Changes Critical to Gaming Industry - In the 2013 Nevada legislative session, the Nevada Legislature is considering a number of key legislative changes that would impact the gaming industry....more
In This Issue: - DICKINSON WRIGHT EXPANDS ITS PRESENCE IN PHOENIX THROUGH COMBINATION WITH MARISCAL, WEEKS, MCINTYRE & FRIEDLANDER, P.A., ADDING LEADING INDIAN LAW ATTORNEY: Dickinson Wright PLLC, with offices in...more