Gaming Attorneys Point to Florida Lawsuit as Harbinger of Industry’s Fight Against Sweepstakes
Native American Law attorney James Meggesto and Gaming attorney Samir Patel were featured in an iGamingBusiness article summarizing their insightful webinar discussion on sweepstakes casinos with the Indian Gaming Association. The attorneys delved into the ongoing Florida case Knapp v. VGW Holdings, which argues that sweepstakes casinos are illegal because they allow people to swap "sweeps" coins for cash. However, the casinos assert that users are buying entertainment when entering the sweepstakes. The attorneys expressed hope that the case will go to trial to provide clarity on the issue, but, as Mr. Patel noted, casinos will likely try to avoid court proceedings.
"It might make sense for them to just keep on settling, keep on operating," he said.
Mr. Meggesto and Mr. Patel explained that the most effective way to address the issue is for states to amend existing laws and introduce new legislation.
However, Mr. Meggesto commented, the industry is unlikely to advocate for legislative changes, citing the potential loss of billions of dollars in tax revenue as a compelling argument to maintain the status quo.
"Money talks, and that’s when it starts to hit home," he asserted.
READ: Gaming Attorneys Point to Florida Lawsuit as Harbinger of Industry’s Fight Against Sweepstakes