As I sit in Montreal reflecting on my career and the future of gaming law, I’m struck by how much this industry has transformed since I first began practicing more than three decades ago. The law has always been the foundation of gaming—it defines the rules of engagement, ensures integrity, and provides the structure for growth in an industry that continues to expand across continents.
From Riverboats to Regulation
My entry into gaming law began in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1992. At that time, the advent of riverboat casinos was reshaping the landscape of gaming in the Midwest. As a young attorney, I was focused on land use and regulatory issues, representing municipalities and advising Las Vegas-based gaming companies as they sought to establish a foothold in Missouri. Those early days taught me that gaming law was not just about statutes—it was about community impact, local governance, and finding a balance between innovation and responsibility.
For twelve years, I practiced at Armstrong Teasdale, where I served in leadership roles while guiding clients through the evolving regulatory environment. My work there laid the foundation for what would become a career defined by bridging law, business, and the future of gaming.
Barrick Gaming and Expanding Horizons
In 2000, I stepped beyond the role of outside counsel and partnered with casino development pioneer D.W. Barrick to form Barrick Gaming Corporation. Together, we acquired six hotel-casinos in downtown Las Vegas. This move marked my transition from advising operators to becoming one. It provided a unique perspective on how regulatory frameworks and legal strategy intersect directly with operations, investment, and growth.
That experience reinforced what I had always believed: the law isn’t separate from the business of gaming—it is the business of gaming. Every acquisition, every license, every financing deal rests on a legal foundation that must be understood and navigated with care.
A Global Perspective
Over the years, my career has taken me far beyond Missouri and Nevada. I’ve been fortunate to travel extensively across the United States, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas, working alongside public and private companies, regulators, and policymakers. Each region has its own unique challenges, from cultural considerations to the development of new licensing frameworks, but the common thread has always been growth.
As new jurisdictions embrace gaming, we are seeing the rise of global regulatory and licensing bodies designed to bring consistency, transparency, and accountability to the industry. Whether in emerging markets or mature ones, gaming law continues to evolve to meet the challenges of new technologies, responsible gaming, and cross-border investment.
The Future of Gaming Law
Looking forward, the future of gaming law will be shaped by three forces: global growth, technological innovation, and regulatory expansion. Markets that were once closed to gaming are now exploring pathways to legal frameworks. New licensing bodies are being formed with an eye toward transparency and compliance, while established regulators are adapting to new realities.
Just as riverboats once represented the frontier of innovation, today it is online gaming, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and new forms of entertainment that are pushing the boundaries. These developments demand a legal infrastructure that is both agile and global in scope.
As I explore new opportunities, including potential partnerships here in Montreal with Lazarus, I am reminded that the role of gaming law has never been more important. It is the bridge between opportunity and sustainability, growth and responsibility.
Closing Reflection
From the riverbanks of Missouri to the global stage of gaming today, my journey as a lawyer has been about more than legal work. It has been about building trust, shaping industries, and helping chart a course for growth through the lens of law. As we look to the next era of gaming, the law will remain the constant—an anchor in an industry defined by change.
