In a significant legal victory for the city, Norfolk has successfully fended off a $100 million lawsuit filed by Cordish Companies, the developer of Waterside District. The lawsuit claimed that Cordish should have had the first right to develop a casino in Norfolk and sought damages over the city’s casino plans with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe.

Norfolk’s Partnership with Pamunkey Tribe Prevails in Casino Lawsuit Appeal

The Court of Appeals of Virginia, in a 12-page ruling issued on February 27, upheld the lower court’s decision to dismiss Cordish’s lawsuit against Norfolk, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA), and city attorney Bernard Pishko, as reported by The Virginian-Pilot. 

Cordish Companies, a Baltimore-based developer that revitalized Waterside in 2013, argued that it should have exclusive rights to develop and operate a casino based on its Waterside development agreement and lease.

Norfolk’s decision to move forward with the Pamunkey Indian Tribe for the HeadWaters Resort and Casino, located less than a mile from Waterside, triggered the legal dispute. Norfolk District Associates, a Cordish-owned LLC, sued in 2021, alleging breach of contract and an active attempt to exclude Waterside from casino site considerations.

The case was initially dismissed by a Richmond Circuit Court judge in 2022, leading Cordish to appeal. In the ruling from February 27, the Court of Appeals affirmed the lower court’s decision, stating that the 2013 lease agreement did not obligate the city and NRHA to use Norfolk District Associates to develop a casino.

Judge AtLee: Casino Deal Unenforceable

Judge Richard Y. AtLee, representing the three-judge panel, explained that they concluded section 10.2.1 of the agreement could not be enforced because it was essentially an agreement to agree, and the agreement did not allow for a casino. This, he said, supported the circuit court’s decision to uphold the demurrers.

Cordish Companies refrained from providing a comment regarding the ruling. In contrast, city attorney Bernard Pishko conveyed satisfaction, expressing that they were pleased with the court’s confirmation that Cordish and John Lynch had filed the lawsuit against the city, city attorney, and NRHA without a basis.

The appeal process included two rounds, with the second round featuring oral arguments in December 2023 after one judge had to recuse themselves due to a conflict of interest.

The judges who participated in the final round of oral arguments and made the ruling were AtLee, Haley, and Dominique A. Callins, with Causey recusing.The legal victory solidifies Norfolk‘s position in moving forward with the HeadWaters Resort and Casino alongside the Pamunkey Indian Tribe.

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A proposed ballot referendum petition aimed at repealing public funding for a new Major League Baseball (MLB) stadium in Las Vegas has been rejected by a Carson City judge. 

Nevada Judge Deems A’s Stadium Ballot Initiative ‘Legally Deficient’

The ballot initiative, challenged by the teacher union-led political action committee (PAC) known as “Schools Over Stadiums,” sought to ask voters whether to approve or reject $380 million in public financing for a $1.5 billion, 33,000-seat stadium on the Las Vegas Strip, intended to be the new home for the relocated Oakland A’s.

During the hearing, Judge Russell emphasized that the issue at hand was the adherence to state law governing the referendum process, reported The Nevada Independent. He pointed out that the petition’s description of the measure’s effect was unclear. Russell further stated that the referendum petition was legally deficient because it did not provide the full text of the measure when gathering necessary signatures, as mandated by the Nevada Constitution.

The ruling means that the “Schools Over Stadiums” PAC can either submit a new referendum petition or appeal the decision to the Nevada Supreme Court. However, any signatures gathered under the rejected petition would be invalidated.

Representatives from the PAC expressed their intention to appeal the decision, indicating their resolve to continue the legal battle. Chris Daly of the Nevada State Education Association, the teachers’ union sponsoring the petition, stated that it seemed they would have to appeal to the Supreme Court or refile their petition.

MLB Owners Await A’s Relocation Decision Amidst Stadium Funding Concerns

The rejected petition, if successful, would not have prevented the A’s from relocating to Las Vegas. Instead, it would have increased team owner John Fisher’s share of the stadium costs, currently standing at $1.1 billion.

In October it emerged that Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI), a real estate investment trust, is reportedly considering increasing its investment in the Las Vegas baseball stadium to be built on the site of Tropicana Las Vegas. The $1.5 billion project, supported by the Nevada government, has received $175 million from GLPI.

Meanwhile, MLB owners are expected to approve the A’s planned move during their upcoming winter meetings in Arlington, Texas. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred had previously emphasized the significance of the referendum’s outcome, indicating that any adverse development related to the referendum would be of great importance.

The new MLB stadium will be constructed on the site of the Tropicana Las Vegas casino, which shall have to be demolished as soon as late 2024. The stadium, primarily funded by the Oakland A’s with a cost of around $400 million, aims to be ready for the 2028 season.

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In a significant turn of events in the ongoing legal battle between Joseph Shiraef, a skilled card counter from Georgia, and Ameristar Casino in Black Hawk, a judge recently dismissed a motion to reconsider Shiraef’s case. The lawsuit, filed in August, alleges that Shiraef was unlawfully detained by the casino staff and subsequently confronted by the Colorado Gaming Commission for his legal card-counting activities.

The dismissal of the reconsideration motion occurred on October 4, marking a crucial development in the case. Legal experts speculate that this decision might indicate a challenging road ahead for the defendants, particularly Ameristar Casino and former Colorado Gaming Commission agent, Joseph Nguyen.

At the heart of the matter is a cell phone video recorded by Shiraef during the incident, providing a firsthand account of the events that transpired on that fateful day, reported Fox affiliate KDVR. In the video, Nguyen can be heard wrongly asserting that card counting, a legal practice in Colorado, was a criminal offense. This video evidence has become a focal point in the case, underscoring Shiraef’s claims of unjust treatment and legal harassment.

A representative from the Department of Revenue has indeed confirmed that card counting in Colorado is permissible as long as players rely on their own mental skills and do not use external aids or devices.

Shiraef’s lawsuit seeks approximately $3 million in damages, reflecting the financial and emotional toll the incident took on him. Legal experts opine that the dismissal of the reconsideration motion might embolden Shiraef’s legal team, potentially strengthening their case against Ameristar Casino and Nguyen.

Shiraef’s Card Counting Dispute Challenges Casino’s Actions

The incident occurred in October 2021 when Joseph Shiraef was unable to cash out his winnings due to accusations of card counting. As there are no laws against card counting in Colorado, Shiraef claimed his Fourth Amendment rights were violated. 

In the legal action, Joseph Shiraef named Ameristar Casino Black Hawk, its parent company Gaming and Leisure Properties, Joseph Nguyen, the City of Black Hawk, and Whitman as defendants for his alleged unlawful detainment. 

However, a federal judge recently granted motions to dismiss claims against Ameristar’s parent company, the city, and Whitman. The judge allowed certain claims to proceed against the casino and Nguyen, who is no longer associated with the Department of Revenue.

Shiraef’s attorney subsequently submitted a motion requesting the judge to review the dismissals and reinstate claims against all the initial parties involved but that was also dismissed.

At the same time, Daniel Carr, a Department of Revenue spokesman, stated in an email that the gaming officer diligently investigated the incident to ensure Colorado Rules were not violated after the patron left hurriedly, refusing to comply with ID requirements and displaying suspicious behavior.

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In a bold move, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has firmly rejected a controversial plan put forth by Republican state lawmakers. The plan aimed to tie the long-awaited expansion of Medicaid to an ambitious proposal to significantly expand casino gambling within the state. 

Medicaid Expansion Jeopardized as Governor Cooper Slams Casino Pairing

Gov. Cooper’s decision comes as little surprise, as he had already expressed his reservations about linking these unrelated subjects. On social media, the governor called the proposed pairing “the most brutally dishonest legislative scheme” he had encountered during his more than three decades in politics.

While both Medicaid expansion and casino expansion had at times been tied to the passage of a new state budget, their fates now remain uncertain. Initially, Republicans had voted in favor of Cooper’s efforts to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act earlier this year. However, they conditioned the final expansion on the approval of a state budget for the current fiscal year, which began on July 1.

Similarly, advocates for casino expansion had sought to incorporate their proposal into the budget, but this faced resistance from both Republican and Democratic members of the General Assembly.

Governor Cooper’s rejection of the Republican scheme indicates his willingness to take a stand, even if it jeopardizes the Medicaid expansion he has fervently pursued throughout his two terms in office. This expansion promises affordable health coverage to over 600,000 North Carolinians and will prevent hundreds of premature deaths each year.

Governor’s Concerns Over Gambling Expansion Influence Decision

An administration official close to Cooper revealed that the governor’s decision was influenced by concerns regarding the potential negative consequences of a massive and unprecedented gambling expansion, including the risks of corruption and addiction, reported NC Newsline. Additionally, the projected tax revenue generated by the casino plan appeared to be comparatively modest.

Earlier this year, Gov. Cooper did sign a bill legalizing online sports gambling in the state, a move that garnered bipartisan support in legislative committees and floor votes despite its controversial nature.

However, while North Carolina is gearing up to launch online sports betting activities next year, and lawmakers are exploring the expansion of casino-style gambling, a recent report revealed that at least eight state lawmakers, including Sen. Phil Berger, received a total of $34,400 in campaign contributions from individuals connected to an out-of-state gambling operator, The Cordish Companies.

While accepting such contributions is not illegal, it has raised concerns among critics and financial analysts about potential unfair advantages as the state considers new casino developments and gambling expansion.

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Recently, OKBet Infinity, the popular Philippine junket operator that operates VIP rooms in Newport World Resorts, Okada Manila, Hann Casino Resort, NUSTAR and City of Dreams Manila, confirmed that it has shut down all of its Philippines VIP rooms. The company unveiled the surprising announcement, confirming that it is in effect as of August 8, 2023.

However, amid media reports claiming that the closures were related to people that were arrested over alleged money laundering, OKBet released a new statement. Earlier this week, the company rejected claims that the 10 people, arrested in Singapore over money laundering and forgery, were related to the closures.

Media reports said that at least one of the people that was involved in the crimes was a “top official from OKBet.” The company disagreed with that statement and explained that the closures of its Philippines VIP rooms were “purely business driven.”

The Singapore Police Force said that it acted based on intelligence that included Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) which resulted in identifying a group of individuals that was believed to be involved in financial crimes such as money laundering. The law enforcement outlined that the group was suspected of laundering illegally obtained funds from criminal activities, including online gambling and scams.

Besides confirming that the decision to close its operations in the Philippines was a business one, the company reiterated that the closure isn’t tied in any way to the legal matter in Singapore. OKBet said its VIP rooms were committed to integrity and adhering to the established regulations. Additionally, the company highlighted that its clubs have been renowned for the unique luxurious experiences they offer to their visitors.

“The statement aims to clarify that the closure is not related to any legal issues in Singapore or any other specific jurisdiction. Throughout its operations, OKBet VIP Club has maintained a commitment to the highest standards of legal compliance and operational integrity,“

reads a statement released by OKBet Infinity

In its initial statement, OKBet said that its board of directors decided to cease operations. The company pointed out that its members will be allowed to withdraw their funds without interruptions.

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Operating within different gambling markets requires licenses, especially on the Old Continent. With one of the strictest gambling-related laws, Norway’s market is closely monitored by local authorities. Back in 2019, the country’s Lottery Authority, Lottstift, urged Trannel International Limited, a company owned by one of the biggest gambling operators in the world, Kindred Group, to discontinue its offering for customers in the country.

Trannel, the company behind the brands Unibet, Mariacasino, Storspiller and Bingo, disagreed with that decision and filed an appeal which was consequently rejected by the Ministry of Culture and Equality, as well as the Lottery Board in January 2020 and March 2020 respectively. Then, in February 2022, Lottstift issued a notice of a compulsory fine against Trannel while in June the same year, the Oslo District Court confirmed the legality of the Authority’s decision to implement a suspension against Trannel.

After that, the Lottery Authority imposed a compulsory fine of NOK 1.2 million ($108,600) per day against Trannel. At the time, the gambling watchdog said that the fine would be valid until the operator discontinues “the illegal gambling offer in Norway.” Not unexpectedly, Trannel filed a complaint against the fine which was rejected by the Ministry of Culture and Equality, as well as the Lottery Board. Now, the Borgarting Court of Appeal also rejected Trannel’s appeal, siding with the Lottery Authority in the country and effectively putting an end to years-long legal battles.

Lottstift Urges the Company to Exit Norway

The Borgarting Court of Appeal’s decision was announced only recently, and it confirms that Lottstift was right to ask the company to withdraw from the gambling market in Norway. Anette Trettebergstuen, the country’s Culture and Equality Minister, explained that the latest court decision acknowledges that “the Norwegian exclusive rights model is in accordance with European Economic Area (EEA) law.” She also spoke about the result of the lawsuit, explaining that it comes as no surprise.

“The result is not exactly surprising, as this lawsuit joins the series of several other lawsuits in the gambling field where the state has been fully supported each time.“

Anette Trettebergstuen, Culture and Equality Minister in Norway

The Lotteries and Foundations Authority’s director, Atle Hamar, also commented on the topic. He explained that the latest court decision confirms that the Authority was correct to impose a suspension against Trannel. Given the court’s decision, Lottstift anticipates seeing the company “withdraw completely from the Norwegian market,” said Hamar in conclusion.

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