Abstract
It's continued to be a busy spring conference season with both the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) conference in New Orleans and the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) trade show and conference in San Diego now in the books.
The IMGL conference continues to offer quality programming with a mix of issues coming to the fore. Of course, the January U.S. Dept of Justice (DOJ) memo reversing past policy on the Wire Act was a hot topic. The New Hampshire Lottery challenge on behalf of state and multistate lotteries was discussed at length. And, as this issue of Gaming Law Review was going to press, a new memo came out of the DOJ with a new take. U.S. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein issued a memorandum that clarified that “Department of Justice attorneys should refrain from applying [the Wire Act] to State lotteries and their vendors, if they are operating as authorized by State law, until the Department concludes its review.” So, this ongoing saga will likely continue with perhaps other entities suing the DOJ before this is all over.
Another interesting topic at the IMGL conference was the various changes to marijuana laws and what those changes may mean for gaming operators. Over 30 states have now legalized medical marijuana, which can create a quandary for employers who drug test. It was a novel topic and one with little case law to provide guidance … at least within the gaming industry. We hope to bring you an article on this topic in a future issue that explores the case law out there and how it may pertain to the gaming industry.
The first NIGA show I've ever attended was in early April even though the show is in its 35th year. There was a plethora of conference programming which, as is often the case, made it hard to determine which sessions to attend. It was interesting to note on the program that they cover not just gaming but other economic development opportunities for tribes such as marijuana. New sports betting legalization was of much interest and discussion was in depth on how tribes can take advantage of this new product in their respective states. The conference itself was a good representation of all of the vendors that serve the Native American gaming industry.
As for this issue of Gaming Law Review, we look to the future as the University of Nevada, Las Vegas's resident industry historian David Schwartz brings his own unique perspective on what to look for in the future. His article, “Futures of Gaming: How Casinos and Gambling Might Evolve in the Near Future,” offers his thoughts on what might be on the horizon.
We're also very pleased to bring forward a new partnership with the Australian office of JP Morgan. Don Carducci and Abhinay Jeggannagari bring us a great update on what is happening in that market. GLR doesn't cover enough of the Australian market, which has long been known as one of the strongest globally. I think you'll find this exhaustive study they've prepared an eye opener as to how the market there continues to evolve. We hope to offer more of their analysis from that part of the world in future issues.
Gaming Law Review contributor Mark Griffiths explains his take on geolocation in his commentary called, “Online Gambling and Geolocation Technology: Implications for Regulation and Potential Threats to Player Protection.”
And lastly, GLR Executive Editor Heidi McNeil Staudenmaier offers her take on what's going on with a tribal gaming case in “Connecticut Gaming Deal Back On”. This has been an interesting case to watch and she brings you, the reader, up to date on the latest.
Again, we're always seeking new content from around the world so keep us posted on what's happening in your region. We've also been getting some very good law student submissions so don't hesitate to send those our way. Inquiries on submissions may be sent to our managing editor, Dawn Wagner at glremanagingeditor@gmail.com.