Practice

Nielsen Merksamer attorneys have been at the forefront of the development of California’s gaming laws and regulations for nearly 30 years. A key player in this evolving field, the firm most recently drafted a landmark initiative proposal to regulate online sports wagering that is expected to go before voters in 2022.

Our attorneys are experienced representing gaming clients before the State Legislature, the California Gambling Control Commission, and the California Horse Racing Board. Nielsen Merksamer also provides regulatory advice to individuals and card clubs in licensing and accusation proceedings before the California Gambling Control Commission and the Bureau of Gambling Control.

The firm is regularly consulted on gaming issues by state and local policy makers and organizations and has litigated on gaming matters in both state and federal court.

Nielsen Merksamer attorneys are widely known as experts in the implementation of the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and corollary federal Indian laws. Because California is home to over 100 tribes located throughout the State, the firm has represented numerous local governments and other affected entities in the areas where tribes seek to establish tribal casinos. Nielsen Merksamer has represented these interests before the State Legislature, state and federal administrative agencies, and tribal-state compact arbitration proceedings. We have litigated issues ranging from the constitutionality of certain gaming compacts to the application of appropriate land use planning and environmental standards on lands over which tribes seek to claim jurisdiction. The firm also has years of experience in negotiating agreements to mitigate the impacts of gambling enterprises on local communities.