Leading table game provider MAO Gaming filed a lawsuit against Ameristar facility Black Hawk in Colorado, claiming the facility violated their exclusive rights to the STREAK-branded blackjack game. Important concerns regarding contract violations have been brought up by the complaint, which was submitted to the US Court for the District of Colorado.
MAO Gaming’s attorneys claim that their decision to sue Ameristar Casino stemmed from what they consider to be a “knowing, intentional, and willful” disregard for the terms of the contract. The gaming corporation claimed that by enabling the use of unauthorized STREAK blackjack table games, PENN Entertainment, the operator of Ameristar Casino, had broken the terms of their long-standing agreement.
With over 15 years of yearly license usage at Ameristar Casino, STREAK is widely recognized as one of the most successful casino table games in history. Despite this background, MAO Gaming maintains that PENN Entertainment has consistently broken its half of the bargain.
Infringement on STREAK Side Bet Tables
The main point of contention is the STREAK side bet that may be found on blackjack tables that have been approved by MAO Gaming. Players can place a wager on the consecutive number of times they will receive a blackjack deal (21) using this side bet.
There are layout specifications that a casino must follow for its blackjack tables in order to have such a game in its repertoire. These specifications have been laid down by the Colorado Casino Gaming Commission, which requires the usage of authorized STREAK table layouts and the addition of STREAK buttons that correlate to each player’s position in the game. These buttons have to have the logo or name of the retail licensee that is selling the game, along with distinguishing characteristics that MAO Gaming specifies.
Given that PENN’s primary business is casino gaming operations, MAO Gaming contends that these provisions were expressly stated in their contract and that all parties should have been aware of them.
Moreover, the legal representative for MAO Gaming argues that Ameristar Casino/PENN used “inaccurate market statements” to continue utilizing STREAK without their consent, constituting deceptive activities. According to MAO, the contract clearly states that all STREAK-branded items are the sole property of MAO Gaming and that using them without a license is absolutely forbidden.
The case has brought the complex network of agreements in the gaming industry to light and raised concerns about intellectual property rights protection in the fast-paced world of casino gambling as well as the accountability of all parties involved.
The post MAO Gaming Sues Ameristar Casino Black Hawk Over STREAK Trademarks appeared first on iGaming.org.