Gaming Law Counsel for the Digital Economy

Few practice areas demand fluency in both regulatory compliance and criminal prosecution. Gaming businesses operate under statutes that can simultaneously be enforced as civil regulatory violations and as criminal offenses. A business model that looks commercially sound can still trigger criminal exposure under federal statutes such as the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA) or state gambling prohibitions.

David H. Cavazos IV brings a prosecutor's understanding of how gaming operations are investigated and charged, combined with a compliance attorney's ability to structure businesses that withstand regulatory scrutiny. That dual perspective is the foundation of the firm's gaming law practice.

Before a gaming product launches, the single most valuable legal service is a rigorous evaluation of the business model. The firm reviews how a product is structured, how prizes or consideration flow, how the platform characterizes its offering, and whether the model can be defended under applicable federal and state law.

A well-documented business model review and legal opinion can be decisive — both in avoiding enforcement action and in demonstrating good-faith compliance if questions arise later.

The firm routinely assists clients involved with skill gaming, sweepstakes, penny auctions, contests, fantasy sports, social casinos, e-sports, and other gaming interests — evaluating the legality of online gaming business models and providing the information necessary to weigh potential risks and rewards.

The law surrounding internet gaming in the United States has developed substantially in the last two decades. Legislation and enforcement efforts have produced a highly regulated industry. The U.S. Department of Justice contends that most internet gambling is illegal under federal law, as is the marketing, promotion, or advertising of it; other gaming activity may or may not be legal depending on the circumstances.

Sweepstakes law is a heavily regulated area. Navigating the myriad rules that govern sweepstakes, contests, and promotions can be mind-boggling to those unfamiliar with them. Sponsors and skill contest operators must comply not only with federal statutes and regulations — such as the Federal Trade Commission Act — but also with the rules of every state in which residents are offered an opportunity to participate. An experienced sweepstakes lawyer can guide clients through the maze of sweepstakes law.