G2E Podcasts » Compliance, Law, and Regulation

Corporate Compliance: Staying the Course in a Difficult Financial Environment

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:53:39 +0000

Financial and regulatory compliance are an increasingly important part of any gaming operation. Many regulatory agencies now request periodic independent compliance audits and proactive compliance committees. Are expectations too high? This panel explores how independent auditors and compliance committees can meet regulators’ expectations.

Moderator:
Patricia Becker, Executive Director, International Gaming Institute, William F. Harrah College of Hotel Administration – UNLV

Speakers:
Thomas Auriemma, Vice President & Chief Compliance Officer, Penn National Gaming, Inc.
Kenneth Golda, Director of Technical Compliance, BMM Compliance
Dennis Neilander, Chairman, Nevada Gaming Control Board

General Counsels Roundtable: Practical Solutions in an Impractical World

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:50:42 +0000

Sometimes it seems that gaming runs on its legal legs. From compliance and regulations to integrity and anti-money laundering, the role of the general counsel is never boring. At this session, current and former general counsels gathered to discuss the challenges brought on by the recession and what possible solutions can be discovered.

Moderator:
Robert Russell, Gaming Analyst, Regulatory Management Counselors, P.C.

Speakers:
Mark Lerner, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Bally Technologies, Inc.
Katie S. Lever, General Counsel & EVP, Global Cash Access, Inc.
Jeffrey R. Rodefer, Vice President of Legal Affairs, Assistant General Counsel & Corporate Compliance Officer, Boyd Gaming Corporation

Small World: The Need for Global Gaming Agreements and Regulations

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:47:21 +0000

As the world gets “smaller” due to greater Internet use and faster communication, the need for global agreements and regulations concerning gambling will become more important. Progressive gaming executives must understand that agreements on money laundering, problem gambling, corporate social responsibility and other issues only will serve to raise the prestige of the industry at a time when it is under increasing pressure.

Moderator:
Kevin Mullally, General Counsel and Director of Government Affairs, Gaming Laboratories International, LLC (GLI)

Speakers:
Michael Gross, Associate General Counsel, General Law, National Indian Gaming Commission
Julian Harris, Partner, Harris Hagan
Dave Waddell, Attorney, Regulatory Management Counselors, P.C.

IP Battles: Litigating Gaming Patent Cases

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:23:26 +0000

Burgeoning new technology sometimes progresses so fast that ideas outpace the hardware. This panel discusses the risks and costs associated with patent litigation from the perspective of in-house counsel and outside attorneys. In-house counsel discusses the process of evaluating patents and deciding whether to license competitors or file litigation. Outside counsel discusses the process of litigating patent cases through trial and appeal.

Moderator:
Michael Rounds Esq., Partner, Watson Rounds

Speakers:
Sam Basile, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Aruze Gaming America
Marc Foodman, Of Counsel, Watson Rounds
Laura McAllister Cox, Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Gaming Partners International Corporation
Lars Perry, Vice President of Intellectual Property, Bally Technologies

Getting it Right: A Critical Look at Gaming Public Policy

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:18:42 +0000

Gaming can be legalized for a variety of reasons, but more often than not it is brought to a jurisdiction for the tax revenues it provides. When local tax rates, regulatory structures and operational peculiarities become onerous, especially in difficult economic times, what once was a promising new jurisdiction can become a wasteland of failed dreams and expectations. During this session, industry officials, experts and key stakeholders examine the critical interaction between gaming businesses, local governments and the economy. Panelists recommend the correct way to implement gaming no matter the reasons it was legalized: tax revenue generation, job creation, infrastructure improvements, tourism or others.

Moderator:
Dean Hestermann, Corporate Director of Public Affairs, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.

Speakers:
William Eadington, Ph.D., Director of the Institute for the Study of Gambling and Commercial Gaming, University of Nevada, Reno
Paul Girvan, Managing Partner, The Innovation Group; Mike Smith, President & CEO, Indiana Casino Association

Labor Party: Unionization in the Gaming Industry

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:15:11 +0000

Unions’ efforts across the country and within the gaming industry have been renewed and re-focused for a variety of reasons, including the more labor-friendly Obama Administration, court decisions affirming the federal government’s jurisdiction on Indian lands and possible other legislation impacting union organization. During this session, union and management representatives who have successfully collaborated across the U.S. gaming industry, in both commercial and tribal markets, share their experiences and offer guidance on how to foster mutually beneficial relationships.

Moderator:
Marybel Batjer, Vice President of Public Policy and Communications, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.

Speakers:
Deron Marquez, Former Chairman, San Manuel Band of Mission Indians
Stephen Schrier, Esq., Blank Rome LLP
John W. Wilhelm, President, UNITE HERE

Federal Focus: The Washington Update

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:12:56 +0000

With the election President Obama last November, the gaming industry has been preparing for policy changes and new faces at federal regulatory agencies. Hear from the experts about what the new team means to the gaming industry, especially in light of economic difficulties and the stimulus package. Learn how gaming has partnered with the travel industry to ensure that meetings and conventions still consider gaming destinations, hear about the progress of bills that may legalize Internet gambling and discover other legislation that has or may affect the way you do business.

Moderator:
Mark Isakowitz, President, Fierce, Isakowitz & Blalock

Speakers:
William C. Miller Jr., Senior Vice President for Political Affairs & Federation Relations & National Political Director, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
John Pappas, Executive Director, Poker Players Alliance
Rossi Ralenkotter, President & CEO, Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority

Truths, Myths and Legends: Casinos’ Responsibilities Under Title 31

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:06:37 +0000

Recent audits conducted by the IRS on behalf of FinCEN (the U.S. Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network) have clarified the responsibilities of casinos, as financial institutions, under Title 31. During this session, a representative from FinCEN and panel members examined the lessons learned from these audits and discussed advisories and Q&As issued by FinCEN. Audience members had the opportunity to pose their own questions about Title 31 and other FinCEN compliance requirements.

Moderator:
Thomas Peterman, Senior Vice President & General Counsel, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino

Speakers:
Peggy Jacobs, Executive Director, Casino Controller, MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Barbara Rose, Corporate Compliance Control Manager, Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc.
Len Senia, SSenior Regulatory Compliance Program Specialist, FinCEN, U.S. Department of the Treasury

The Evolution of Gaming Regulation: How the Economic Downturn Impacted Gaming Control

Rob — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 01:02:09 +0000

One of the lasting impacts of the current economic problems may be the response of regulators. Gaming regulatory agencies are now having to consider new ownership structures, takeovers of properties by lenders, state-mandated budget cuts, lower thresholds for licensing requirements and more complicated balance sheets. Learn how state and tribal regulators are approaching these issues as regulators and operators meet to discuss the current state of gaming regulation.

Moderator:
Lloyd Levenson, CEO, Cooper Levenson, Attorneys at Law

Speakers:
Kevin DeSanctis, Chairman, Revel Entertainment
Larry Gregory, Executive Director, Mississippi Gaming Commission
Mark Lipparelli, Member of the Board, Nevada Gaming Control BoardEntertainment, Inc.
John Sabini, Chairman, New York State Racing and Wagering Board
Daurean Sloan, Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, WMS Gaming, Inc.