BLOG
What Constitutes Gambling?
What makes a game, contest or activity gambling under state gambling law?
Why is Gambling Law So Complicated?
A confusing patchwork of state laws govern gambling and often don’t anticipate new technologies or games.
The Court holds that Tribal Internet Bingo is illegal, but what if the bet is legal where the customer is located (… and many other unanswered questions for Internet Gambling)?
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the “Desert Rose Casino” internet bingo game is illegal: a game operated from tribal lands in California but taking wagers from persons in California located off-reservation. (California v. Iipay Nation, 898 F.3d 960 (9th Cir. Aug. 2, 2018)). Although this conclusion seems obvious, the Court’s decision […]
Freemium Games: Is the Big Fish Casino decision … Casablanca or Much Ado About Nothing?
The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals recently held that a plaintiff who played free online games and purchased virtual credits to extend game play could state a claim for illegal gambling under the laws of the State of Washington. Big Fish’s games included traditional casino games like craps, slots and blackjack. The court wrote: “… […]
Christie v. NCAA: This is Not Just About Sports Betting.
This post is not about sports betting. Just kidding. Of course Christie v. NCAA is about sports betting: whether New Jersey can deregulate sports betting at its casinos. But to the Supreme Court this is largely a case about states’ rights. The federal government and state governments each have their respective spheres of authority. The […]