Practices: Gaming

Gaming is a high-stakes, multi-billion dollar, worldwide business where regulatory approvals, complex litigation and complex, time sensitive transactions are a way of life. Ungaretti & Harris has a proven record of helping clients achieve their business objectives in all segments of the gaming industry.

Our gaming representations include:

Riverboat casinos
Gaming companies (3 of the country’s 10 largest)
Racinos
Native American casino operators
Racetrack owners and operators
Electronic Device manufacturers
Gaming Suppliers
Officers, Directors, Executives, Shareholders, Minority Investors

Regulatory Experience

Gaming companies are subject to complex regulations and strict scrutiny, and they look to us for advocacy before gaming boards and commissions, in particular, the Illinois Gaming Board. From licensing, suitability and compliance issues to administrative and disciplinary hearings, we have the credibility and experience our clients need. Gaming businesses often must interact with Native American governing bodies and they rely on our track record of success in working with tribal leaders and commissions. Additionally, our government group keeps us current on legislative and administrative developments impacting the industry.

Courtroom Experience

High stakes litigation is a fact of life for gaming companies and their officers, shareholders, and employees. We have successfully represented clients in licensing, regulatory and disciplinary hearings. We have successfully defended clients in precedent-setting cases at the trial and appellate levels in State and Federal courts. We have ensured the rights of majority shareholders, as well as minority shareholders. We have an outstanding record in representing casino operators in employment and labor issues, including Fair Labor Standards Act violations, sexual harassment, retaliatory discharge or constructive discharge cases.

Corporate and Transactional Experience

Our Corporate/Transactional Practice Group is well equipped to handle and well-versed in handling gaming deals. We have represented clients in complex financings; debt and equity offerings; high yield debt placements; structuring, negotiating capital markets financing; management agreements; and executive compensation agreements. We have negotiated shareholder agreements and formed complex business entities and structures to meet our clients’ needs. We regularly advise gaming clients on the most cost-effective way to settle disputes involving their ongoing operational concerns, such as business entity formation, executive separation agreements, shareholder controversies, supplier contract terms and director fiduciary responsibilities.

Investing in Relationships

We have acted as inside counsel as well as outside counsel, developing an in depth understanding of the operational side of the casino gaming business. We also have a network of investment bankers, commercial bankers, accountants and consultants whom we frequently call upon for advice and assistance in our engagements. These relationships give us a unique ability to provide services beyond those traditionally delivered by law firms. Our team includes a charter member of the International Masters of Gaming Law and Best Lawyers in America for Gaming. With a combination of practical industry knowledge, respected regulatory experience, sophisticated corporate transaction attorneys and top flight trial lawyers, you will receive unsurpassed legal representation in the gaming arena.