May 2008 Nevada Lawyer
A WORD FROM THE ISSUE EDITOR
BY MARK HINUEBER
Every Nevada lawyer, whether practicing in a rural county or a small civil practice in Las Vegas, is often confronted by clients who ask questions about gaming law issues. While most lawyers think of gaming law as the province of members of the Gaming Law Section, it’s my hope that this issue of Nevada Lawyer will give all members of the state bar a background on various gaming issues. All Nevada lawyers need a perspective on this important segment of Nevada’s economy.
One of the most interesting articles in this month’s issue is “The Three Persisting Myths of Gaming Technology Law,” by Louis Csoka. All lawyers from time to time see various forms of gaming advertising that appear on various websites ranging from sports book services in the Caribbean to horse racing and poker sites. As Louis points out, not all forms of gaming are prohibited on the Internet.
In a very informative article by Karl Rutledge, “Approval of New Games,” the author focuses on the number of new games introduced in Nevada casinos. During 2007 alone, more than 50 new games, or variations of previously approved games, were approved. Karl’s excellent article steps a would-be game developer through the process of receiving approval for a new game.
As Nevada grapples with a budget shortfall due to economic conditions, Maren Parry’s article regarding the history of the Nevada gross revenue license fee is a timely review of the Nevada tax that claims a share of every dollar won by state casinos. This tax celebrated its 60th birthday in 2005.
Finally, have you ever noticed the disclaimers printed on faxes and now e-mails that call attention to the problem of inadvertent disclosure? Have you ever wondered about your ethical obligations if you receive an inadvertent disclosure? Assistant Bar Counsel Phil Pattee’s review of RPC 4.4 is a useful look at what to do when you receive confidential documents inadvertently sent to you.
Mark Hinueber is Vice President/General of Stephens Media, LLC, which publishes daily newspapers, including the Las Vegas Review-Journal, throughout the United States.