Select a city or county to find Pennsylvania Gaming lawyers near you.
Gaming, which includes activities such as casinos, racetracks, and lotteries, is regulated under a combination of federal and state laws. States that permit such gaming usually have a commission established to oversee the regulation of the industry, such as licensing of those employed in the gaming industry. States that permit casinos and similar forms of gaming often have strict zoning regulations to keep such establishments away from schools and residential areas.
Gaming attorneys typically work with casino owners, lottery operators, and other entities involved in gaming operations. They represent clients before state and local gaming regulatory bodies, as well as the National Indian Gaming Commission and other federal entities. Gaming attorneys also collaborate with clients on other issues related to gaming operations, such as financing, taxes, tribal administrative matters, leases, and intellectual property rights.
If you have a legal question about a gaming issue, you should speak to a gaming attorney to discuss this complicated area of the law. Whether you are involved in playing or operating casino gaming, racetrack betting, sweepstakes, internet gaming, daily fantasy sports, or competitive E-Sports, gaming law has many unique aspects that need to be analyzed by an attorney with extensive experience in this field.
In this section of our website, you will find a list of some of the best lawyers and law firms in this field. Browse the list so that you can make an informed decision while searching for legal services.
State regulations: These can range from issues related to a gaming license and dealing with a gaming control board, to conforming with state lottery rules, to matters involving employment law and who is eligible to work at a casino or other betting establishment as a part of gaming operations. Just a few of the states and cities where these regulations typically differ are Nevada (including Las Vegas and Reno), New Jersey (including Atlantic City), New York, New Mexico, and California.
Property and operations issues: Casino operators and those who operate other gambling locations need to address a variety of issues related to real estate and operations. These include land use issues, zoning compliance, and other regulatory matters that affect all aspects of gaming operations. These operators may also need assistance negotiating contracts or resolving commercial litigation claims with equipment manufacturers and other similar vendors.
Native American gaming topics: Gaming companies and gaming clients may need assistance from a gaming lawyer when dealing with the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) and provisions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
Evolving regulations: Gaming operators and those who play games (including online gaming and those who participate in daily fantasy sports) need to stay up-to-date on relevant laws and regulations. This includes things such as how the Wire Act and other gaming-related parts of the law are being interpreted by the Supreme Court of the United States and lower courts. It also includes matters related to state agencies, government commissions, regulatory agencies, and other and legislative bodies.
There are a variety of reasons you might need to find a lawyer in Pennsylvania, from facing criminal charges to filing a lawsuit or even just buying a house.
If you are facing criminal charges, it is extremely important to be represented by skilled legal counsel. Not only can retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney increase your chances of a favorable outcome if your case does go to trial (improving your odds of attaining an acquittal), but also if you opt to negotiate a plea deal or to plead guilty, a lawyer can ensure you are treated fairly within the boundaries of the law.
On the other hand, if you are looking to file a legal claim of any sort, it is equally advisable to find a Pennsylvania lawyer familiar with your type of legal matter. Attorneys have spent years (if not decades) of their lives in pursuit of the knowledge and skills necessary to best represent their clients in court proceedings. Legal jargon, obscure precedent, existing and newly passed statutes and other elements of the legal process demand that a professional lawyer is always capable of seeking the best possible outcome.
While representing yourself in court can sound like a good idea on the surface, particularly given the relative cost of retaining legal counsel, it is almost universally considered to be a poor idea. No amount of quick research can act as a substitute for the skills and experience that lawyers attain through working several years in the court system.
Finding the right Gaming Law attorney starts with knowing what to evaluate. When reviewing Pennsylvania attorney profiles, consider the following:
Make informed decisions with useful legal information.
Learn About the Law articles clearly explain what you need to know about a wide variety of legal issues. You'll also find answers to common legal questions and case summaries to explore.
Read about choosing and retaining legal help with FindLaw's Guide to Hiring a Lawyer.
Our Guide to the U.S. Legal System explains legal basics including federal and state court systems.