The gaming industry has grown to become a multifaceted worldwide marketplace with complex regulatory and legal requirements. Vedder Price provides counsel and representation to an array of organizations with interests in this diverse industry.

You can expect to work with an experienced, multidisciplinary team of attorneys who understand the unique issues that arise in the gaming industry and are prepared to help you address any issues that arise in the finance, development or operation of a gaming facility.

Broad global credentials. Our attorneys represent clients with business interests in the gaming industry throughout the world, including:

• Casino owners and operators
• Tribal and other governments
• Gaming equipment suppliers and manufacturers
• Investors
• Investment banks and other financial institutions
• Internet and software development companies
• Racetrack and pari-mutuel operations and Internet-based interstate horse racing and wagering operations
• Internet gaming operators

We also counsel businesses with interests in Native American gaming operations and provide representation before the National Indian Gaming Commission, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Department of the Interior and various Native American gaming commissions.

In addition, we have experience in the rapidly expanding sweepstakes and contest industry, and our attorneys review client sweepstakes, contests and other promotional and marketing campaigns for compliance with applicable state and federal laws. We also routinely review marketing campaigns and draft applicable rules to ensure compliance.

Licensing and Regulation

Our attorneys provide counsel and representation with respect to licensing and regulation, including:

• Representing clients before local, state, federal and international regulatory bodies
• Preparing applications and obtaining applicable regulatory licensing and approvals
• Obtaining governmental permits required for the development and operation of casinos
• Obtaining favorable results for licensing-related disciplinary matters
• Maintaining compliance with shifting regulations
• Writing and reviewing gaming and compliance plans and providing counsel on proper implementation of these plans  

Legislative and Regulatory Adoption

Our gaming law attorneys are actively involved in legislative processes leading to the development and adoption of laws that permit various forms of gaming worldwide. We have advised sovereign governments, regulatory agencies, tribal nations, casino operators and casino suppliers on establishment of gaming industries and regulatory environments.

Project Finance and Development

We represent gaming entities in obtaining secured and unsecured loans, funding and private placement of debt securities that is essential to the development, operation and growth of their enterprises. We also represent financial services companies with interest in the gaming industry with respect to their funding of gaming industry participants.

Our attorneys represent clients around the globe in all legal aspects of constructing and developing gaming operations, including transactions, real estate, zoning, construction and permits, as well as joint venture projects.

Corporate Structuring and Operations

We provide counsel and advice with respect to initial structuring and subsequent corporate governance and strategic planning.

Litigation

Our team includes trial and appellate litigators who have deep understanding of and experience in the gaming industry.

Learn more about our Complex Commercial Litigation services.

Insolvency, Bankruptcy & Corporate Reorganization

Our attorneys represent lenders and creditors impacted by bankruptcy filings, as well as clients interested in acquiring the assets of gaming-industry entities involved in bankruptcy. We have significant experience working with secured creditors, unsecured creditors, lessors, tenants and purchasers in out-of-court workouts, insolvency proceedings and Chapter 11 cases involving corporate debtors.

Learn more about our Insolvency, Bankruptcy & Corporate Reorganization services.

Employment and Immigration

We assist gaming industry participants in an array of issues involving employment law, including union-management relations, wrongful-discharge litigation, discrimination law counseling and litigation, wage and hour counseling and litigation, executive compensation and immigration issues.

Learn more about our Employment services.

Tax Planning and Compliance

We pair gaming industry and tax knowledge to address tax planning needs and concerns; resolve tax controversies and disputes related to income, sales, use and other taxes; and ensure that business transactions comply with evolving federal, state and local tax laws. We also provide representation for tax-exempt entities.

Learn more about our Tax services.

Intellectual Property

Our attorneys assist gaming industry participants in all types of matters involving intellectual property protection, including successfully enforcing such rights and defending clients in court and before federal agencies such as the Patent and Trademark Office and the International Trade Commission.

Learn more about our Intellectual Property services.

Internal Investigations and White Collar Criminal Defense

Our attorneys represent clients, employees and other individuals in connection with white collar criminal charges. We represent clients called before grand juries in investigations brought by law enforcement agencies and at trial and have defended and prosecuted numerous claims of violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).

In addition, we assist gaming clients with internal investigations—complementing our gaming industry experience with attorneys who have former law enforcement and prosecutorial experience to ensure a thorough but expeditious process.

Learn more about our Government Enforcement and Special Investigations services.