Pari-mutuel and Gaming

Ice Miller prides itself on the size and experience of its gaming practice in Indiana and other gaming jurisdictions. In 1993, Ice Miller's gaming attorneys were the chief lobbyists in the effort that led to the adoption of the Indiana Riverboat Gambling Act. Ice Miller has represented individuals, public and private, and governmental entities who are active in the gaming industry in Indiana and throughout the country. As the industry matured in Indiana, Ice Miller's gaming practice has broadened its representation of gaming clients into other states. Ice Miller's Gaming Practice is unique in that it combines the intensity and flexibility of a boutique government services practice with the depth and breadth of a major law firm to provide regulatory, development, tax, corporate and labor, dispute resolution and employment law experience.

Our gaming lawyers combine effective lobbying services and regulatory advice with the full panoply of legal services needed by companies seeking to engage in the licensure, development, ownership and operation of riverboat projects. The group utilizes a multi-disciplinary team approach, which brings the talents and experience of group members to bear in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. The different members of the gaming practice group contribute varied backgrounds to the practice and are able to assist gaming clients in this highly regulated industry across multiple jurisdictions.

Lacy M. Johnson, one of the co-chairs in the gaming practice group, was a lead lobbyist when the Indiana Riverboat Gambling Act was first enacted in 1993. Jack Thar, the first Executive Director of the Indiana Gaming Commission, serving that role from 1993-2002, has recently joined the group as co-chair. He and other Ice Miller attorneys have represented and continue to represent applicants for and recipients of riverboat gaming licenses. Ice Miller has also complemented its gaming practice with the addition of Kay Fleming, formerly the first chief counsel for the Indiana Gaming Commission. Our professionals represent gaming companies, local governments and suppliers of goods and services to riverboats, including those certified or seeking certification as minority and women-owned businesses.

Ice Miller's Gaming Practice covers all facets of the industry. Since horse racing began in Indiana in 1994, the Firm has represented Hoosier Park, Indiana's first pari-mutuel horse race track and one of a family of tracks controlled by Churchill Downs Incorporated. Our professionals represented the company that previously conducted the State Lottery. We provide advice and counsel for suppliers and organizations involved in charitable gaming, and often assist organizations in obtaining charitable gaming licenses.

With its combination of attorneys who have historically represented applicants, license holders and local governments, Ice Miller is positioned to meet the needs of its clients with interests in gaming. Ice Miller's success in representing gaming clients reflects our ability to offer those clients valuable resources in other practice areas, which are essential to any successful business venture. Ice Miller can add value for its gaming clients through its practices in public affairs, including legislative and regulatory lobbying and legislative monitoring, an experienced labor law, real estate, employee benefits, environmental law, tax, litigation and a host of other practice areas gaming clients may require. Ice Miller has established and will continue to establish itself as a proactive firm that understands and anticipates the needs of clients with gaming interests.

Representative Clients
Ice Miller has performed legal services and consulting to many gaming organizations and governmental agencies including the following:
• Argosy Gaming Company
• Aztar Indiana Gaming Company, LLC
• Boyd Gaming Corp./Blue Chip Casino
• Gaming Laboratories International, Inc.
• Harrah's
• Horseshoe Gaming Holding Corp and its subsidiaries
• The Majestic Star
• Paragon Gaming
• Resorts
• Shuffle Master Gaming, Inc.
• Sierra Design Group