Gaming Law Commons^™

Friedlander V. Tamarack Junction (142 Nev. Adv. Op. 23, Mar. 12, 2026), Kerri Richards

Nevada Supreme Court Summaries

House rules govern gaming wagers. Patrons are bound by constructive notice, and courts defer to the Gaming Control Board when its decisions are supported by evidence and law.

"The Cake Is A Lie:" Locating Loot Boxes In Indian Gaming Framework, Aman Gupta, Samriddh Sharma

Indian Journal of Law and Technology

Lootboxes have become endemic in modern video games. These microtransactions allow users to purchase virtual containers without knowing their content, which is determined by chance. There have been increasing concerns about the negative impact of loot-box purchases on mental health and whether these amount to gambling under various laws. In response, several countries have started applying existing gambling laws or legislating new measures to regulate lootboxes. This raises questions about the present state of regulations in the Indian context and whether they are adequate in meeting the risks posed by lootboxes. In the present article, the authors explain the concept …

Intellectual Property Or Modern Folklore? The Problem With Open Gaming Licenses In Tabletop Gaming, Rosie Midget

Seattle University Law Review

This Note addresses how courts and legislatures should address “Open Gaming Licenses” commonly attached to tabletop roleplaying games (TTRPGs), which game publishers use to promote a false image of accessibility—misleading consumers and building goodwill from the misunderstanding. Part I discusses what TTRPGs are, including the defining features of the hobby and culture surrounding it, as well as the unique interplay between publishers and players. Part II explores the question of which elements in a TTRPG system may be subject to copyright protection. Part III examines these elements in practice using Wizards of the Coast’s Dungeons and Dragons TTRPG as a …

Data Privacy Regulations In The Gaming Industry: A Comparative Analysis Of Singapore, Macau, And Japan, Miloslava Plachkinova

Faculty Articles

This study explores the relatively under-researched area of comparing data privacy regulations and best practices across different countries, with a focus on the gaming industry. It provides an overview of general data privacy principles and existing global regulations, analyzing how gaming operators leverage personal data for competitive advantage. Specifically, the research examines the data privacy approaches and regulatory requirements in Singapore, Macau, and Japan, highlighting the cultural and historical contexts influencing these regulations. Through a comparative analysis, the article discusses the compliance needs for gaming operators in these jurisdictions.

Legal Uncertainty In Virtual Worlds And Digital Goods: Do The Same Laws Apply?, Alanna Sadler

University of Miami Business Law Review

The growth of virtual worlds and digital goods will force US courts to examine whether traditional laws are sufficient to protect consumers. To do so requires judges and legislative officials to possess a deep understanding of concepts that are everchanging. Many aspects of virtual worlds, such as the metaverse(s), are driven by web3 technology, the technology responsible for the NFT and cryptocurrency craze of recent years. It is impossible to ascertain the impact of virtual worlds on daily life, however, companies must nevertheless prepare for the shift toward virtual spaces and digital goods. There is greater skepticism regarding the utility …

Transformative Play: The Legalities Of Modding In The Video Game Industry, Erika Weisdorfer

Cybaris®

No abstract provided.

Case Law On American Indians: October 2022 - August 2023, Thomas P. Schlosser

American Indian Law Journal

No abstract provided.

One Buffalo In Texas: Legal And Ethical Issues In Native American Gaming Operations, Tammy W. Cowart

The Journal of Business, Entrepreneurship & the Law

There are three federally recognized Native American tribes in Texas: the Alabama-Coushatta, the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, and the Texas band of Oklahoma Kickapoo. The Kickapoo tribe is the only one allowed to operate a gaming center within the state of Texas, due solely to a federal law that the federal government passed thirty years ago. The Alabama-Coushatta and Ysleta del Sur Pueblo tribes are some of the only tribes prohibited from operating gaming operations under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The result is detrimental to these tribes and the Texas economy. This paper will examine the history of the …

An Analysis Of Who Funds And Who Benefits From The Carolina Education Lotteries, Mary Reagan Crosby

South Carolina Law Review

No abstract provided.

Law Library Blog (February 2022): Legal Beagle's Blog Archive, Roger Williams University School Of Law

Law Library Newsletters/Blog

No abstract provided.

Pandora’S Loot Box, Sheldon Evans

Faculty Publications

The emerging trend of loot boxes in video game platforms continues to expand the shifting boundaries between the real and virtual world and presents unique insights into the impact each world should have on the other. Borrowing their design from the gambling industry, loot boxes operate as a hybrid between slot machines and trading cards. A consumer pays real-world money to buy a virtual box without knowing its contents. Upon opening the box, the consumer receives a virtual good that may be of great value, but more commonly is of little or no value.

This Article contributes a novel theory …

Increasing Investment In Stem Education For Females: Policy Considerations, Becky Harris, Andrea Dassopoulos, Daniel Sahl, Anna Starostina

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

During this difficult economic time, as policy makers decide how to use their limited resources to help prepare the rising generation for the demands of an ever-changing workforce, aligning K-12 educational priorities with higher education and economic development can help maximize public dollar investments in STEM education, particularly when females are given access to STEM and STEM-related education and programs. Smart public policy initiatives can help increase the representation of women in the technology, research and development, and innovation departments.

The purpose of this article is to provide policy recommendations that could help increase gender diversity and participation in STEM …

What Is A Game Of Chance? An Application To Loot Boxes, Wessel Oomens

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

The traditional landscape of games of chance such as lotteries, betting, casinos and slots has become intertwined with complex financial products as well as digital games with elements of chance.

The Netherlands Gambling Authority has issued a guidance paper outlining a five-step decision process in order to determine whether a game classifies as gambling:

• Threshold: is the number of providers, players and the amount money involved considerable enough to warrant spending resources in assessing the game?
• Overlap: is there potential overlap with other rules and regulations, in particular those governing financial products?
• Prize: does the game award its winners with …

Anti Money Laundering And (Online) Gaming: How To Implement Broad And Indistinct Aml Notions - Regulatory Experiences From Europe, Simon Planzer

International Conference on Gambling & Risk Taking

Target audience:

Gaming regulators, gaming companies (notably compliance officers), scholars.

Research questions:

This UNLV supported research project has combined valuable inputs from international AML experts, gaming regulators with significant online and AML experience and AML literature alike. It has notably addressed the following questions:

• How are broad and indistinct AML notions - referring to higher money laundering risk constellations - to be interpreted in the (online) gaming sector specifically?
• How can regulators implement these AML notions proportionately (effectiveness without unnecessary regulatory over-kill)?
• What solutions are available to mitigate the AML risks?

Research background:

Both gaming regulators and gaming companies are …

Expert Commentary On Sports Betting Post-Paspa, Becky Harris

International Gaming Institute Faculty Research

Becky Harris, appointed by former Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval (2011-2019), served as the first female Chair of the Nevada Gaming Control Board from January 2018 to January 2019. Harris was the first Chair to propose regulations addressing workplace sexual harassment. Prior to serving as Chair, Harris served in the Nevada Legislature for the 2015 and 2017 legislative sessions.

Don't Chase Your Losses: Online Gambling Regulation And Solutions In Minnesota, Samuel E. Mogensen

Mitchell Hamline Law Review

No abstract provided.

The Oral History Of Jan Jones Blackhurst, Unlv Gaming Law Journal, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas -- William S. Boyd School Of Law

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

Jan Jones Blackhurst served as thefirst female mayorof Las Vegasfrom 1991 to 1999. Following her second term as mayor, she joined Caesars Entertainment, where she created the casino industry’s first regulatory practices for problem gaming. Today, Jones Blackhurst continues to make a lasting impact on Las Vegas and itsgaming industry as Caesar Entertainment’s Executive Vice President of Public Policy and Corporate Responsibility

A Review Of Nevada Patron Dispute Decisions, Mark Lerner, Emily Cunningham

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Oral History Of Kenny Epstein, Unlv Gaming Law Journal, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas -- William S. Boyd School Of Law

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

Kenny Epstein has spent a lifetime working in the gaming industry. Beginning in 1966 at the newly opened Caesars Palace as a Baccarat shift boss, Epstein eventually purchased a stake in Jackie Gaughan’s El Cortez Hotel and Casino in the mid-seventies. Partnering with Gaughan and his son Michael, he helped build the Barbary Coast, Gold Coast, Orleans, and Suncoast. In 2007, Epstein purchased the El Cortez and continues to work as the casino’s chief executive officer today.

The Oral History Of A.J. "Bud" Hicks, Unlv Gaming Law Journal, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas -- William S. Boyd School Of Law

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

A.J. “Bud”Hicks is known to be one of Nevada’s most experienced gaming law practitioners. He formerly served as the Chief Deputy Attorney General, representing the Nevada Gaming Control Board and the Nevada Gaming Commission. Today, Hicks continues to practice gaming law, working with clients that include publicly traded gaming companies, lenders of gaming operators, and others who seek to enter the gaming industry.

Expert Commentary On The Future Of Esports From Seth Schorr, Unlv Gaming Law Journal, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas -- William S. Boyd School Of Law

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

Seth Schorr is the chief executive officer of Fifth Street Gaming, LLC., which operates the Downtown Grand Las Vegas, as well as The Lucky Club Casino and Hotel and the Silver Nugget Casino and Event Center. Schorr is additionally known to be something of an eSports pioneer —serving as a board member of Millennial eSports, and organizer of various eSports events and tournaments in Downtown Las Vegas.

Regulating A “Pariah” Industry: The Need For A Responsive Approach In Gambling Markets, Melissa Rorie

UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal

Gaming regulators are uniquely positioned state agents, who must consider contradictory goals in their day-to-day actions. They must protect the public (and maintain the legitimacy of government) but are also responsible for ensuring that the gaming industry provides needed revenue to the state. To that end, regulators are not only responsible for promoting the legitimacy of the government but also, to some extent, must consider how they can encourage the legitimization of a previously illegal behavior. Prior research has examined regulators’ attempts to balance such “structural contradictions” through their licensing process, but little research has been done on regulatory responses …

Gamblization: The Rise Of Sports Gambling And The Need To Repeal Paspa, Alex Lowell

Pace Intellectual Property, Sports & Entertainment Law Forum

The National Gambling Impact Study Commission, in its final report to Congress, estimated American’s bet as much as $380 billion per year on sports, making it by far the largest form of illegal wagering, and that report was released in 1999. With the growth of the Internet and technology, there is no doubt that these staggering figures are far larger today. Based on the current structure, 99% of sports gambling continue to operate untaxed and unregulated in defiance of state and federal law. The time has come for the United States to repeal the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act …

The Silver State And The Black Book, Steven J. Brody Esq

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Cheater's Justice: Judicial Recourse For Victims Of Gaming Fraud, Jordan T. Smith

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Oral History Of Jack Binion, Unlv Gaming Law Journal, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas -- William S. Boyd School Of Law

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Oral History Of Thomas Auriemma, Unlv Gaming Law Journal, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas -- William S. Boyd School Of Law

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

No abstract provided.

The Oral History Of Vic Salerno, Unlv Gaming Law Journal, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas -- William S. Boyd School Of Law

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

No abstract provided.

Strategies And Behaviors Of Cyber Deviance And Internet Trolling, Cody Taylor

All Master's Theses

As society shifts towards making social media a center focus of contemporary life, trolls, are continually developing distractive dialogue. Although trolls may not be deviant in the sense of harsh online crimes, trolls do cause problems within online communities. Jonathan Bishop (2014) and Whitney Phillips (2015) have developed a foundation of internet troll research. Bishop (2014) studied the behaviors of trolls, while Philips (2015) investigated their techniques. However, neither researcher sampled from an online massive multiplayer Online game. Using one of the largest online gaming communities, World of Warcraft, this research examines the techniques and behaviors of trolling. Trolling was …

Gaming Corporations Gamble With The Fcpa, Joseph Grusman

UNLV Gaming Law Journal

No abstract provided.