It has been determined by the California Supreme Court that computer sweepstakes games can be classified as illegal slot machines. The ruling raises a host of legal issues for companies that may rely on similar devices or games in their traditional sweepstakes marketing campaigns.
Justice Ming Chin found that despite the fact that games in question do not resemble outwardly what one might consider traditional slot machines or "one-armed bandits", the machines in question operated in such a way as to cross the line into prohibited hardware.
In such games as "Buck Lucky" and "Baby Bucks", it was determined that these games fell into the realm of gambling because players cannot use skill or judgment to influence the outcome of the games. In addition, Chin noted that the games are designed to cultivate the impression that the user may receive a reward by reason of any element of hazard or chance.
As I mentioned in the article covering this topic, I think this opinion opens up a Pandora's Box, and indeed it is going to be very difficult for corporations to run any kind of promotion
where the result is revealed on a computer.
The fact that his ruling could definitely affect promotional
sweepstakes operated by companies such as Coca-Cola and McDonalds was noted by Chin but he indicated that such questions would have to be decided in a case in
which someone claims some other sweepstakes system is an illegal slot
machine.
To read further about the case in The Recorder, click here.
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Friday, June 26, 2015
Analysis of Sean "Diddy" Combs Self Defense Claims in Altercation with Coach
Sean "Diddy" Combs, commenting via a representative, indicated that the altercation he was arrested for involving a coach at UCLA was the result of self-defense.
Combs was eventually charged with assault with a deadly weapon, and released on bail. The Combs team indicated they believed the case would be dismissed after the details surrounding the incident become apparent.
Their official response, released by a Combs representative, included the following:
"…any actions taken by Mr. Combs were solely defensive in nature to protect himself and his son."
As I note in the video, it sounds like an enraged or angry father, for whatever reason, confronted a coach, and during that confrontation, it got physical. Depending on what occurred, it could be absolutely nothing or it could be almost a felony.
When you're looking at a self defense situation, you look at the past and you look at everybody's whole life and how they react in certain situations, and you make a decision.
As noted in the video by reporter Patrick Healy, a filing decision may be made within a week or two from the incident, and if the District Attorney passes as a felony, it could go then to the City Attorney as a misdemeanor.
Video from a Patrick Healy report via NBC4 News, June 23, 2015.
Combs was eventually charged with assault with a deadly weapon, and released on bail. The Combs team indicated they believed the case would be dismissed after the details surrounding the incident become apparent.
Their official response, released by a Combs representative, included the following:
"…any actions taken by Mr. Combs were solely defensive in nature to protect himself and his son."
As I note in the video, it sounds like an enraged or angry father, for whatever reason, confronted a coach, and during that confrontation, it got physical. Depending on what occurred, it could be absolutely nothing or it could be almost a felony.
When you're looking at a self defense situation, you look at the past and you look at everybody's whole life and how they react in certain situations, and you make a decision.
As noted in the video by reporter Patrick Healy, a filing decision may be made within a week or two from the incident, and if the District Attorney passes as a felony, it could go then to the City Attorney as a misdemeanor.
Video from a Patrick Healy report via NBC4 News, June 23, 2015.
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