Québec’s Superior Court Rules that Bill 74 is Unconstitutional

In July 2018, the Superior Court of Québec held that the Québec government’s controversial attempt to force Internet service providers (“ISP”s) to block certain iGaming sites is unconstitutional. By way of background, on May 17, 2016, the Québec government passed Bill 74, which contained Internet-censoring provisions that were unprecedented in Canada. Bill 74 included a …

Once a “Patron,” Always a Patron?

The Nevada Gaming Control Board (the “Board”) has been delegated the responsibility of resolving disputes between casino customers and the casinos pursuant to the process for patron disputes outlined in NGC Regulation 7A. This includes, for example, making determinations as to whether a jackpot was wrongfully withheld or in fact caused by a machine malfunction …

How to Banish the Black Market and Ensure Integrity: What States Legalizing Sports Betting for the First Time Can Learn from Nevada and Legalized Cannabis States

Integrity, integrity, integrity. The integrity of the game is a top concern of regulators and the college and professional sports leagues as legalized sports wagering expands across the United States. But what steps can regulators take to ensure that the “fix” is not in on games being wagered upon? In theory and in practice, legalization …

Great Lakes Water Diversions – Continued Controversy

Two recent petitions challenging water diversions, one in Wisconsin and another in Michigan, reflect the continued controversy over water rights and usage that have implications, environmental and otherwise, for energy producers and transporters. On May 25, 2018, Midwest Environmental Advocates (“MEA”) filed a petition challenging the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (“Wisconsin DNR”) April 25, …

Me Too: Nevada Regulators Shine a Spotlight on the Sexual Harassment Policies of Gaming Licensees

As the “Me Too” movement sweeps the nation, the topic of sexual harassment in the workplace has been put in the spotlight. And with the highly publicized situation involving casino mogul Steve Wynn, that spotlight is being focused on the gaming industry in a big way. Nevada’s regulators were quickly inundated by reports of sexual …

Ohio Revises Administrative Regulations Associated With Commercial-Scale Wind Farms

On March 15, 2018, the Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) finalized proposed additions and revisions to administrative regulations associated with commercial scale wind farms. The finalized rule package is the result of a two-year review process, complete with three separate stakeholder comment periods, an opportunity for rehearing, and numerous different iterations of proposed rules. A …

Now That PASPA Has Fallen, What Does This Mean for the States

Now that the Supreme Court has ruled that the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (“PASPA”) is unconstitutional commandeering, a number of states are rushing to pass laws to legalize and regulate sports betting within their borders. Some, such as New Jersey and Pennsylvania, are well down the path, with potential to have operational sports …

How the Ninth Circuit Big Fish Casino Decision Could Impact Online Free Casino Offerings Across the U.S.

Virtually every significant gaming operator in the United States has some form of “free to play” online casino offering. Because no purchase is necessary to play (no consideration) and no valuable prizes are offered (i.e., you cannot trade your free play credits for a comped hotel stay), these offerings have generally met with green lights …

Nevada’s Gaming Policy Committee Passes a Resolution Regarding Marijuana and the Gaming Industry

On March 5, 2018, Nevada’s Gaming Policy Committee convened briefly to pass a resolution that provides clarity for Nevada gaming licensees regarding the interactions they may and may not have with the state-legal marijuana industry. This meeting followed from the discussion and testimony received at the last Gaming Policy Committee meeting in November 2017. As …