Blockchain-based sports betting, rapidly maturing into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, may find a formidable barricade in U.S law. Expected to hit $180 billion by 2030, the largely online global sports gambling industry has begun to attract blockchain-based startups interested in disrupting the space. Notably, even the founder and former CEO of FanDuel, a major player…
In what ranks as the biggest deal ever in the world of gaming, Microsoft Corp.‘s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard Inc. looks like it may just happen. Despite numerous obstacles, including a challenging year and a half in the face of global regulators skeptical over the dominating market power of the unified company, the…
In a unique episode, Wilson Sonsini corporate partner Jonathan Chan sits down to converse with multifaceted entrepreneur Justin Woodward. Woodward is not only the co-founder and creative director of Interabang Entertainment and co-founder of the Media Indie Exchange, but he is also the driving force behind the innovative platforms for Black game developers – Black…
Caesars Entertainment, Inc., one of the world’s largest gaming companies, recently revealed a data breach affecting its IT network. On October 6, 2023, Caesars filed a notice with the Attorney General of Maine, disclosing that unauthorized access had been gained to its IT network as a result of a cyberattack targeting one of its vendor…
In an era of rapidly evolving technology, we see an intriguing development in the Consumer & Retail Industry: the convergence of digital and physical assets, or as it is increasingly being termed, the ‘phygital’ approach. The Consumer & Retail Industry has been instrumental in discerning the potential of Web 3 concepts like Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)…
In a noteworthy development last month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reopened its internal challenge of Microsoft’s proposed $69 billion acquisition of Blizzard, Inc., commonly known as Activision. This action followed a thorough assessment of numerous domestic and international issues linked to the planned deal. According to a recent report, this closely observed merger faced…
Recently, the EU General Court (GC) made the final call on a highly significant antitrust case involving game publishers and geo-blocking strategies. On September 27, 2023, the GC rejected an appeal by Valve Corporation, affirming a January 2021 decision made by the European Commission (Commission). The Commission’s original ruling found that Valve Corporation, along with…
In this rapidly evolving world of entertainment and sports, there’s always a host of legal aspects to contend with. For legal professionals working in these industries, it is pertinent to stay informed of the latest updates and trends. Accordingly, the latest issue of “The Pitch” from September 2023, comes packed with essential updates that would…
Following the announcement of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision – hailed as one of the world’s most valuable gaming companies – the tech giant finds itself one step closer to actualizing this deal. The announcement made on January 18, 2022, was initially met with regulatory hurdles, highlighting the close scrutiny such significant mergers often face. In…
Companies operating across borders may often deem themselves separate entities, but the complex world of international law often thinks otherwise, notably when exploring the concept of the “alter ego” theory. Legal professionals should be aware of recent developments to ensure their corporations and law firms stay protected. A striking example of this occurred in the…
In a decisive turn of events in the gaming world, Riot Games, the creators of the highly regarded multiplayer game, League of Legends, filed a lawsuit on January 20th, 2022 against two Asian video game companies, Suga and Imba. The filing took place in the Central District of California for allegations on infringement of Riot’s…
The Florida Gaming Control Commission (FGCC) is raising eyebrows within the fantasy sports industry. In a significant move, the FGCC has issued cease-and-desist letters to three online fantasy sports operators. This represents the FGCC’s maiden action against the online fantasy sports industry in Florida, but it is part and parcel of a rising trend observed…
In a recent noteworthy event, a long-standing legal dispute involving Valve, a prominent player in the gaming arena, has seen a significant move by the Supreme Court of New York, New York County (NYCAL). Crosby Valve LLC, the defendant in the case, had put forth a motion to dismiss the asbestos action, yet the court…
Emerging as one of the most rapidly growing industries, e-sports gaming presents a host of new legal challenges and opportunities. The exhilarating domain of e-sports brings with it not only an incredible expansion of viewership numbers and sky-high profits, but also introduces specific legal issues that both the gaming industry and legal professionals must navigate….
Since the announcement of a proposed merger between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, Inc. in February 2022, enforcement agencies around the globe have adopted a spectrum of positions in response. This proposed merger has aptly demonstrated how complexities in global business can set the stage for varying responses from regulators across different legal jurisdictions. The European…
The North Carolina General Assembly’s recent one-day session ended in frustration, as anticipated votes on the final state budget proposal were disappointingly not brought to the floor. This outcome stood in stark contrast to the hopes that had been stirred during a House session the previous week. House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Cleveland) had previously stirred…
Extended reality technologies, encompassing all immersive technologies such as virtual and augmented realities, are steadily carving out space at the technological forefront. These technologies, known collectively as XR or extended realities, facilitate users’ interaction with digital elements integrated into their physical environment or provide a chance to explore simulated 3D realms. XR’s application stretches across…
In September 2023, the Illinois Gaming Board convened for its monthly assembly. The gathering was a unique hybrid of in-person and virtual meet-up. Drawing participants to the 160 N. LaSalle St., Fifth Floor Auditorium and attracting a broader audience via a concurrent livestream. Participating board members included presiding dignitary Chairman Schmadeke and board associates Hayden,…
In a recent ruling, the Nevada Supreme Court has determined that actions taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic did not contravene an “ordinary course” covenant within an asset purchase agreement. This decision overturns a previous ruling on summary judgment that favored potential buyer, LGS Casino. Furthermore, the court partially reversed its previous denial of…
Legal professionals working in the bustling sports wagering industry are advised to take note of the latest data privacy rules imposed by the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The new Sports Wagering Data Privacy Rules, effective from September 1, 2023, will require businesses to significantly reassess and reinforce their customer data protection policies. Operating under the mandate…
The North Carolina Court of Appeals handed down a significant ruling last month that could potentially open the doors to criminal prosecution in the skill-based gaming sector. The court overturned a trial court injunction, which had previously prohibited law enforcement from pursuing criminal charges against litigants who are purportedly operating illegal gambling machines, a clear…
The United Arab Emirates stands as a country rooted in traditional Islamic values, including aversion to gambling in all its forms. The prohibition is comprehensive, spanning not only traditional gambling pursuits but also the increasingly blurred lines between video gaming and gambling in today’s digital age. The legislation in place is stern and severe, but…
Understanding the rapidly evolving legal landscape within the entertainment and sports industries, including music, film and television, fine arts, media, professional athletics, eSports, and gaming, serves as a prerequisite in today’s unprecedented environment. Known for its enriched insight and focus on these areas, “The Pitch” newsletter regularly offers the latest legal updates on these highly…
In an open letter addressed to UK Finance, the United Kingdom’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has expressed concerns about the potential risks of fraud, money laundering, and problem gambling that have arisen alongside the rapid growth of the online betting and gaming industry. The ICO is urging UK Finance, the industry body for banking and…
In a significant legal development, Bungie, the gaming company behind the popular title Destiny 2, recently secured victory in a lawsuit against an individual who had been harassing one of their employees online. As reported on JD Supra, this decision was issued by a trial court in the State of Washington on July 11, 2023….