Beneficial Holdings Inc (BFHJ)

[di4]

2012 BFHJ DD Highlights Press/Financials

<> Gregory N. Senkevitch - Newly Appointed President announced 4/17/2012, impressive resume

Greg was formerly Chief Operating Officer of Advance Realty Group and was responsible for developing and implementing the company’s growth and operating strategies. During his 15 year association with that company, it grew from a $30 Million asset base to one of the largest real estate owner/operators/developers in the Northeast, recording an above average after tax return to investors over the past 10 years. Previously he held several senior level and principal positions in various real estate companies including The Prudential Property Company, where he was responsible for forming and managing over $3 billion of development joint ventures with U.S. and foreign institutions and managing 50 national tenant accounts. Greg is an active member of ULI, a Governor of the Urban Land Foundation, former Chairman of the ULI’s Northern New Jersey District Council, a member of the ULI’s Leadership Group and Assistant Chairman of its Urban Development Mixed-Use Council. He also is a member of the NAIOP’s Mixed-Use Forum, the Financial Executives Institute and the AICPA. Greg received a B.S. in Accounting and Decision Science from Rider University. He has attended Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design “Running a Real Estate Company” program.

CONFIRMED NEVADA GAMING LICENSE APPLICATION IN! - third party verification find http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/article/ready-for-net-gains-law-firms-see-business-bump-amid-push-toward-online-gaming-200748 and http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2012/04/23/news/iq_52822373.txt
excerpt from article:

Current Nevada licensees and foreign online gaming companies are rushing to file online gaming applications. Beneficial Holdings Inc. and slot machine manufacturer WMS Industries are just two of the 27 companies who have applied for an interactive gaming license in Nevada.

<> New annual report filed 4/23/2012 Year end 2011 POSITIVE $ 2,525,961.51 TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY http://www.otcmarkets.com/financialReportViewer?symbol=BFHJ&id=79194


<> BFHJ $2,408,552.93 TOTAL ASSETS 3Q 2011 http://www.otcmarkets.com/financialReportViewer?symbol=BFHJ&id=72154


<> 2/16/2012 filing - The Company closed on its sale of its non-gaming properties on February 14, 2012. The final value of the package was US$3,282,000 for Beneficial Holdings.



<> the company still owns - A Bar and Casino in Managua - A Slot Parlor in Masaya, Nicaragua - A Joint Venture in Ticuantepe, Nicaragua - www.sportsbook.cr Online Live Dealer Casino - www.bet.cr Online Live Dealer Casino
http://www.bet.cr
http://www.sportsbook.cr/



<> $47 million dollar credit line - Line #16 http://www.otcmarkets.com/financialReportViewer?symbol=BFHJ&id=53604



<> NOT a reverse split offender - actually had 2 forward splits


<> BFHJ vision includes energy, gaming, beverage and value added real estate.


<> BFHJ believes it important to have a well-balanced company comprised of domestic operations that will be somewhat unaffected by the cycles of the economy


<> Each division, in its own right, shall have the fundamentals that would make it both profitable and stable with a path to future growth in earnings and appreciated value.


<> BFHJ has commenced negotiations to finalize a binding Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") to acquire a significant interest in a domestic US operating company involved in gaming and casino interests.


<> BFHJ is in the midst of final negotiation to engage an advisor for its activity in the casino and gaming activities.


<> MOU for BFHJ operation as part of a domestic gaming division


<> future energy division for which an MOU is currently in the midst of being finalized as well and advisor engaged.


<>Senkevitch intention is that the company would grow through acquisitions, strategic alliances and entrepreneurial investments.


<> New officers and members of BOD to be chosen shortly


<> Carolina Navarro to remain on board


<> desire to create a rock solid company that will be poised for growth


<> future assets and earnings with significant benefits to investors


<> new website will be completed within the near future


<> Senkevitch first order of business is to determine how to maximize value for Company


<> Senkevitch is reviewing the existing gaming assets and determining a cogent action plan


<> Senkevitch is determining the best possible manner to create and enhance value for the company.


<> Senkevitch is Identifying and retaining independent accountants and legal counsel.


<> Senkevitch is Bringing corporate reporting current. - Update, Annual Report Published 4/23/2012 on OTCMarkets.com bring designation from stop to yield



<> company interested in full compliance, in the future, with United States generally accepted accounting principles and regulatory reporting requirements


<> Senkevitch is Selecting a location for corporate offices and future shareholder meetings.


<> Senkevitch is Reviewing the existing capitalization, share structure and shareholder base


<> Senkevitch is considering a possible reversal of the recent increase in shares but being careful to avoid a loss of share value


<> Senkevitch desire is to create and enhance value for the shareholders and we are committed to creating a solid corporate entity to be proud of.


<> BFHJ Pursuing the addition and development of new assets that will be solid investments which will capitalize on growing trends


<> BFHJ Pursuing the addition and development of new assets produce growth and earnings that will create the necessary momentum to both enhance the market value of Beneficial and provide a platform for steady growth


<> they hope it will be a great year for those who have had and continue to have faith in due to current developments.


<> BFHC mentioned in PR as well as BFHJ?


<> New 646-543-0677 Telephone number out of New York


<> BFHJ is currently discussing engagement of a qualified advisor for review of potential acquisition of positions within the energy industry.


<> BFHJ criteria for such assets will include proven reserves, predictability of flow of energy, calculable revenue stream and ability to control costs to result in good earnings


<> BFHJ criteria for such assets- ability to control costs to result in good earnings and the ability to add value within a reasonable period of time which includes earnings per share


<> acquisitions will position the company to increase the breadth of its asset base and secure the company a role in the growing 'clean energy' aspect of the industry


<> extend the company's activity, beyond anything existing, into a growth industry


<> if a decrease in the number of shares would be detrimental, to the value and benefit to shareholders, new management will not allow such action to be taken.


<> goal is to maintain and enhance values for all concerned.


<> The bottom line is that those who think that we intend to take any action, that would negatively impact the value of shares, are simply wrong," according to Ms. Morales.


<> New Spokeswoman for BFHJ- Jai Morales


<> members of the board must have a track record and experience that will both create, maintain and continue the growth of the company


<> Link to Active Nevada Secretary of State http://nvsos.gov/sosentitysearch/CorpDetails.aspx?lx8nvq=Ba5ODpt%252fMXzC83ly0KBAgA%253d%253d&nt7=0


PUBLIC E-MAIL [e-mail]

OTCMarkets.com BFHJ Security Details
Share Structure



Authorized Shares 4,600,000,000 a/o Apr 22, 2012


http://www.beneficialholdings.info/#!corporate-info
Common Share Structure As Of January 12, 2012

Issued & Outstanding: 2,075,623,952

Restricted Shares: 933,715,349

Maximum free trading: 1,141,908,603

It is the Transfer Agents policy to not release information to shareholders
Transfer Agent:

Action Stock Transfer Corp.
7069 S. Highland Dr., Suite 300
Salt Lake City, UT 84121

The following contribution is from ALEXJOU – Give him a member mark!
investorshub.advfn.com/boards/profilea.aspx?user=151792
To All New Shareholders.Videos of BET.CR:
Here are my videos of www.bet.cr.I live in near from Barcelona SPAIN-EUROPE and I can play with real money and do some bets on sports on sportsbook.cr too.
Can you imagine if BFHJ enters on USA?
My first BET: http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=59866296
My first lose on www.sportsbook.cr: http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/read_msg.aspx?message_id=59981575
My videos:
Videos of Livedealers Working on www.bet.cr:
Playing Roulette:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=660_QDWGaCc&feature=related

Playing Blackjack: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYYeLinDzHo

Playing with real money: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDQW3mzhzzA&feature=related

Go BFHJ!!!

Mar 19, 2012 Beneficial Holdings, Inc. to Apply for Nevada Intrastate Gaming License
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/beneficial-holdings-inc-apply-nevada-042100753.html

Feb 22, 2012 Beneficial Holdings, Inc. Affiliates to Apply for New Nicaragua Gaming License
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Beneficial-Holdings-Inc-iw-3750245792.html?x=0

Jan 27, 2012 Beneficial Holdings Starts Search for a United States-Based Gaming Executive
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Beneficial-Holdings-Starts-iw-4290596318.html?x=0

Jan 26, 2012 Beneficial Holdings Inc. to Divest Non-Gaming Assets
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Beneficial-Holdings-Inc-iw-2923385496.html?x=0

Jan 11, 2012 Beneficial Holdings, Inc. Enters Purchase Agreement for Oceanfront Land in El Transito, Nicaragua
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Beneficial-Holdings-Inc-iw-2816908438.html?x=0


PRESS SINCE NEW PRESIDENT HAS BEEN ANNOUNCED

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/beneficial-holdings-inc-bfhj-casino-113100538.html

Wednesday, April 25 2012 7:31 AM, EST
Beneficial Holdings Inc. (BFHJ), Casino And Gaming MOU & Advisor
PR Newswire "Press Releases US - English"


LAS VEGAS , April 25, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Beneficial Holdings Inc. (PINKSHEETS: BFHJ) is pleased to announce that it has commenced negotiations to finalize a binding Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU") to acquire a significant interest in a domestic US operating company involved in gaming and casino interests. Also, it is in the midst of final negotiation to engage an advisor for its activity in the casino and gaming activities. The intention is to have such operation as part of a domestic gaming division alongside the future energy division for which an MOU is currently in the midst of being finalized as well and advisor engaged. In addition, there are intentions to form two other divisions with which there will be a level of synergy that will bode well for the future.

Gregory N. Senkevitch , President and CEO states,"We believe it important to have a well-balanced company comprised of domestic operationsthat will be somewhat unaffected by the cycles of the economy. Our vision includes energy, gaming, beverage and value added real estate. Each division, in its own right, shall have the fundamentals that would make it both profitable and stable with a path to future growth in earnings and appreciated value. All should be in a position to commence generation of returns to investors without the risk of having to wait very long for licensing or production. We are in the midst of assessing our opportunities for each segment of our prospective business plan."

The Company's prior management had filed financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2011 and a request was made for further clarification by current management. We appreciate their having responded by filing an amendment and we will review such information to determine if it is consistent with what might be expected of a company interested in full compliance, in the future, with United States generally accepted accounting principles and regulatory reporting requirements.

" Beneficial Holdings Inc. is currently known as a casino investment holdings company, specializing in acquiring undervalued gaming assets. Prior to coming on board, expectations were that the company would grow through acquisitions, strategic alliances and entrepreneurial investments. The intention is to deliver exactly that," according to Senkevitch.

Best regards,

The Management of BFHJ


Information

Beneficial Holdings Inc.

646-543-0677 Telephone


Forward-Looking Statements This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a general matter, forward-looking statements reflect our current expectations and projections relating to our financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business. These statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expects", "plans", "estimates", "anticipates", "projects", "intends", "believes", "outlook" and similar expressions.

The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon our historical performance, current plans, estimates, expectations and other factors we believe are appropriate under the circumstances. The inclusion of this forward-looking information is inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which cannot be predicted with accuracy and some of which might not even be anticipated. Future events and actual results, financial and otherwise, may differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Statements regarding the following subjects, among others, may be forward-looking: Our business and investment strategy; our projected operating results; estimates relating to our ability to make distributions to our stockholders in the future and economic trends and economic recoveries.


All information in this release is as of April 25, 2012 . The Company does not undertake a duty to update forward-looking statements, including its projected operating results. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company may, in its discretion, provide information in future public announcements regarding its outlook that may be of interest to the investment community.



SOURCE Beneficial Holdings Inc.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/beneficial-holdings-inc-bfhj-announces-163200765.html

Thursday, April 19 2012 12:32 PM, EST
________________________________________

Beneficial Holdings Inc. (BFHJ) announces initial determinations

PR Newswire "Press Releases US - English"

NEW YORK, April 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Beneficial Holdings Inc. PINKSHEETS: (BFHJ) today reports that
-
It is currently discussing engagement of a qualified advisor for review of potential acquisition of positions within the energy industry.

"The criteria for such assets will include proven reserves, predictability of flow of energy, calculable revenue stream and ability to control costs to result in good earnings and the ability to add value within a reasonable period of time which includes earnings per share," according to spokeswoman Jai Morales. "These acquisitions will position the company to increase the breadth of its asset base and secure the company a role in the growing 'clean energy' aspect of the industry. The ability to extend the company's activity, beyond anything existing, into a growth industry and one that will contribute to the well-being of this country is of importance for the long term."
-
As to the status of the stock, BFHJ will be undertaking a careful review of values. Historically, a decrease in the number of shares has sometimes resulted in a loss of shareholder value. It is assumed that, if a decrease in the number of shares would be detrimental, to the value and benefit to shareholders, new management will not allow such action to be taken.

"Our goal is not short term profit, which is the antithesis of what management of a corporation should achieve for its shareholders. Our goal is to maintain and enhance values for all concerned. The bottom line is that those who think that we intend to take any action, that would negatively impact the value of shares, are simply wrong," according to Ms. Morales.
-
Members of the board and corporate officers will be announced shortly. "The company has decided to take a bit more time in selecting its members. It is desired that members of the board must have a track record and experience that will both create, maintain and continue the growth of the company," according to Ms. Morales.

Best regards,

The Management of BFHJ


Beneficial Holdings Inc.



646-543-0677 Telephone


This press release does not constitute an offer of any securities for sale. This press release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to the company as of the date hereof, and the company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

SOURCE Beneficial Holdings Inc.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/beneficial-holdings-inc-bfhj-names-033000000.html

Monday, April 16 2012 11:30 PM, EST
________________________________________

Beneficial Holdings Inc. (BFHJ) Names Gregory Senkevitch President

PR Newswire "Press Releases US - English"

NEW YORK, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --Beneficial Holdings Inc. (PINKSHEETS: BFHJ) has passed a resolution appointing Gregory N. Senkevitch to the post of President. It is anticipated that officers and members of the board of directors will be chosen shortly, with Carolina Navarro anticipated to remain as a member of the board.

There is a desire to create a rock solid company that will be poised for growth, in terms of future assets and earnings with significant benefits to investors. A new website, independent of the old one will be completed within the near future.

In the interim, you may disregard anything new on the existing website in that it does not reflect the thoughts or actions of BFHJ. Likewise, any information reported in other mediums may be viewed as suspect, given that plans are just now being formalized that will be of interest when revealed.

As to any initial thoughts and/or concepts?

"My first order of business is to determine how to maximize value for our Company," said Senkevitch. "In that regard we will need to start with some basic items such as:

1. Reviewing the existing gaming assets and determining a cogent action plan. Per the above, any reports or announcements are to be disregarded other than those issued by the new management or officers of BFHJ.

2. Appointing officers and members of the board.

3. Determining the best possible manner to create and enhance value for the company.

4. Identifying and retaining independent accountants and legal counsel.

5. Bringing our corporate reporting current.

6. Selecting a location for corporate offices and future shareholder meetings.

7. Reviewing the existing capitalization, share structure and shareholder base. Such would include a determination to consider a possible reversal of the recent increase in shares but being careful to avoid a loss of share value through such action by the company. Our desire is to create and enhance value for the shareholders and we are committed to creating a solid corporate entity to be proud of.

Our thoughts on this point? Well,
-
It may be easy to split shares
-
It may also be easy to issue large amounts of shares

WHAT IS NOT EASY?
-
retaining value while setting the stage for increasing value & growth.

8. Pursuing the addition and development of new assets that will be solid investments which will capitalize on growing trends in the marketplace and produce growth and earnings that will create the necessary momentum to both enhance the market value of Beneficial and provide a platform for steady growth.

A press release will be issued within the coming days that will outline one or more positive steps toward what we hope will be a great year for those who have had and continue to have faith in BFHC, due to current developments.

Best regards,

The Management of BFHC

Information


Beneficial Holdings Inc.
646-543-0677 Telephone

SOURCE Beneficial Holdings Inc.

BFHJ - 60 min Candlesticks



BFHJ - Daily Candlesticks



BFHJ - Weekly Candlesticks









CONFIRMED NEVADA GAMING LICENSE APPLICATION IN!

Sweet third party verification find DD22!!! Member Mark Him: http://investorshub.advfn.com/boards/profilea.aspx?user=117942

http://www.casinocitytimes.com/news/article/ready-for-net-gains-law-firms-see-business-bump-amid-push-toward-online-gaming-200748

http://www.lvbusinesspress.com/articles/2012/04/23/news/iq_52822373.txt





Quote:Ready for net gains - Law firms see business bump amid push toward online gaming
25 April 2012

by Chris Sieroty and Howard Stutz

LAS VEGAS, Nevada -- Ask any gaming attorney in Las Vegas if they think Congress will pass a bill legalizing online poker anytime soon, and the answer you'll get is no.

Despite the federal gridlock, law firms in Southern Nevada have seen a modest increase in Net gambling-related business. But it's business that's been generated from other states, countries and online companies looking to legalize gambling and needing regulatory advice.

Most of the discussion recently has focused on Nevada's new rules that allow companies in the state to apply for licenses to operate poker websites. The move poises Nevada to capitalize as more states approve Internet gaming or Congress reverses its ban.

The Nevada regulations allow companies to operate Internet poker sites in the state, with some sites expected to be operating by the end of the year.

Frank Schreck, who has been practicing gaming law for 40 years and oversees the practice for Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck, said Nevada was ahead of other states in adopting regulations and technical standards for approving online gaming, both intrastate and interstate.

Current Nevada licensees and foreign online gaming companies are rushing to file online gaming applications. Beneficial Holdings Inc. and slot machine manufacturer WMS Industries are just two of the 27 companies who have applied for an interactive gaming license in Nevada.

"We currently represent a number of the largest European online gaming companies, which has forced us to develop an expertise in a new area of gaming law," Schreck said. "My firm has (been) and (continues to be) involved in the negotiation, drafting and consummation of complicated joint venture agreements between major Nevada gaming companies and foreign online gaming companies whereby the foreign online gaming company provides its online gaming technology services to the Nevada licensee."

The growth of gaming in America comes as states and cities are looking for new revenue streams to help offset multimillion-dollar budget deficits. Nevada, which has an 8 percent tax rate, generated $10.7 billion in gaming revenues in 2011, while Pennsylvania, which has a 55 percent gaming tax rate, generated $3.3 billion last year.

Revenue from the U.S. online poker market is estimated at $5 billion.

"Internet gaming is a cash cow in Europe," said Jeffrey Silver, a shareholder in the Gordon Silver law firm. "They are looking at possibly benefiting from the demand for online poker domestically."

As other jurisdictions legalize gambling they look to Nevada, which has been seen as the "gold standard" for gaming regulation, he said.

"Nevada casinos operate in a transparent environment," Silver said. "There has been a tendency to look to Nevada (for legal) counsel" when other jurisdictions are considering legalizing gambling.

Bob Faiss of Lionel Sawyer & Collins said Internet gaming technology has been accelerating rapidly.

Gaming regulation, which had to evolve and keep pace as new jurisdictions opened and casinos expanded worldwide, needs to now stay current with technological advances.

"This is an area of law that has changed so much over the years," Faiss said.

Before gaming expanded nationwide, Nevada had laws that considered foreign gaming to be anywhere but Nevada. Today, foreign gaming has a different meaning with companies such as Las Vegas Sands Corp. and Wynn Resorts Ltd. deriving a large percentage of their revenues from Asia.

"Nevada gaming licensees operating in other markets are still subject to Nevada gaming regulations," Faiss said.

Today, 40 states have legalized gambling. Nevada, the largest jurisdiction, reported revenues exceeding $10.7 billion last year. New Jersey reported $3.3 billion in gaming revenues and Pennsylvania surpassed the $3 billion mark for the first time.

But the revenue growth hasn't been confined to the United States. Macau's gambling revenues were $33.5 billion, while Singapore reported $5.1 billion in 2011.

Michael Bonner, co-managing shareholder with Greenberg Traurig, said gaming is still an industry driven by Wall Street, with private equity firms playing a larger role. He cited Caesars Entertainment Corp., which is owned by a private equity firm that recently took the company public again.

Bonner said he's had discussions with a couple of private equity firms about opportunities in Nevada. He declined to identify the firms.

"Everybody has gotten interested in what Nevada has done with our online gaming," Bonner said. "A lot of these companies that have done well in Europe and elsewhere ... are now recognizing that at least they need to understand what is going on in Nevada."

Over the last few years, the legal industry, has endured similar struggles to the gaming industry, as the recession forced firms both large and small to reduce staffs, cut operating budgets and restructure their fees, even implementing flexible billing plans.

"We've been hit by the recession like everyone else has," said A.J. "Bud" Hicks of McDonald, Carano, Wilson LLP.

Hicks said when the economy slumped, gaming companies cut back on outside counsel.

During the recession, Bonner said, bankruptcy attorneys thrived for law firms, as real estate development and construction work was "dramatically impacted." He said that many of those firms were highly leveraged. And, when the bottom fell out, they sought bankruptcy protection or folded.

There was a similar trend in the gaming industry as highly leveraged companies found themselves reorganizing in bankruptcy court. They also found themselves with new investors, including Goldman Sachs, Deutsche Bank and J.P. Morgan Chase.

"It's still a pretty vibrant industry," Hicks said. "But the nature of my practice has changed as more and more banks and private equity firms have needed to be licensed because of their investments in Las Vegas."

Contact reporter Chris Sieroty at [e-mail] or 702-477-3893. Contact reporter Howard Stutz at [e-mail] or 702-477-3871. Follow @howardstutz on Twitter.


MICHAEL BONNER

Co-managing partner, Greenberg Traurig

Judging by his list of professional organizations and the clients he's represented over the years, Michael Bonner is a man who clearly enjoys what he's doing.

But his path to becoming a well-known gaming attorney was different than most.

"Many people start out as a deputy attorney general assigned to the gaming control boards," said Bonner, a co-managing partner at Greenberg Traurig LLP in Las Vegas. "My path was purely the law firm path."

Bonner describes himself as a corporate securities and finance lawyer.

"At my first law firm, we had as clients some of the large publicly traded gaming clients of that era," he said. "We did all their corporate and Securities and Exchange Commission work. My practice really started out as a purely corporate securities lawyer."

Among his original clients were Showboat Inc., Harrah's Entertainment and the Marnell family.

Bonner said he practices in Las Vegas because most of the corporate securities work is tied to the gaming industry.

"Many of the financing deals that we did, whether it was raising capital, or an IPO, debt or mergers, had to be approved by gaming regulators," he said. "It's evolved into 60 percent of my practice is traditional corporate finance and about 40 percent is gaming."

Bonner said clients call him for gaming advice and may not know of his background in corporate securities law. He said the traditional route of working for the attorney general's office was still the "dominant route" attorneys take to becoming gaming lawyers.

He said with the International Gaming Institute at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas and Boyd School of Law at UNLV, there is "a respect that exists today in academia for gaming." Bonner said with more jurisdictions embracing gaming, "I seen people migrate out of law school who see gaming as a potential discipline."

-- Chris Sieroty

TODD BICE

Co-founder, Pisanelli Bice

Todd Bice doesn't describe himself as a gaming attorney. Instead, he's spent years in Las Vegas focused primarily on commercial litigation.

But as the economy soured and casino companies found themselves facing or filing lawsuits, Bice found himself with a new and more high-profile client list.

"I've never considered myself a nuts and bolts gaming attorney," Bice said. "But as a result of the economy, I've found myself representing companies on gaming matters and regulatory matters that are related to gaming."

Among his more high-profile cases, Bice recently settled a case involving the Roadhouse Casino in Henderson. His client Station Casinos LLC dropped their lawsuit last month against Henderson after the city attorney's office reversed course and agreed with Station's position that city officials had unlawfully approved plans for the Roadhouse to operate without having to build a 200-room hotel.

Bice also represented MGM Resorts International in a shareholder lawsuit, and Wynn Resorts Ltd. He represents the gaming industry's political and lobbying arm, the Nevada Resort Association, on legislative, constitutional and other matters, and serves as outside counsel to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

"I started out as a young attorney working for Frank Schreck," Bice said. "He did high-end gaming and regulatory work. I got a very good understanding of gaming regulations from (him)."

Bice is a co-founder of Pisanelli Bice PLLC, a Las Vegas law firm focused primarily on commercial litigation. Bice said he realized early on that focusing on commercial litigation would lead to representing casino firms, with gaming being the largest industry in Nevada.

"In Southern Nevada, nine out of every 10 companies is a gaming company," Bice said.

Before forming his own firm, Bice was a shareholder in law firm Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck's national litigation group.

-- Chris Sieroty

BOB FAISS

Shareholder, Lionel Sawyer & Collins

Bob Faiss helped usher into place the system of how gaming is regulated in Nevada.

And Faiss, 77, is still helping keep Nevada's regulatory structure modern and intact.

As a shareholder in Lionel Sawyer & Collins, Faiss has practiced gaming law for some four decades and is head of the firm's gaming law division. He has represented some of gaming's largest companies.

A few years ago, the government of Singapore asked Faiss to lecture government officials who were tasked with creating Singapore's gaming regulatory structure on gaming law.

"They looked to Nevada for guidance in that area," Faiss said. "Even today, Nevada, as Gov. Brian Sandoval said, is still considered 'the gold standard' and leader in gaming regulation."

Faiss' background reads like a documentary of the gaming industry.

After a brief journalism career, Faiss became the assistant executive secretary of the Nevada Gaming Commission, serving from 1961 to 1963.

He became the executive assistant to Gov. Grant Sawyer from 1963 to 1967 and was instrumental as the Sawyer administration made numerous changes to how gaming was regulated in Nevada. Many of Sawyer's programs remain in effect.

After Sawyer's second term ended, Faiss spent a year as a White House staff assistant to President Lyndon Johnson. At the encouragement of Sawyer, he earned a law degree from American University in Washington, D.C., and returned to Nevada in 1973. At the time, Sawyer was pretty much the state's only gaming lawyer.

In 2009, his oral history book, "Gaming Regulation and Gaming Law in Nevada," was part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Nevada Gaming Commission.

Faiss is largely considered responsible for the development of gaming law as a specialty. He is also involved with training the next wave of gaming attorneys.

-- Howard Stutz

FRANK SCHRECK

Partner, Brownstein Hyatt Farber and Schreck

Frank Schreck was a 27-year-old attorney when Gov. Mike O'Callaghan, his former high school teacher and mentor, appointed him to the Nevada Gaming Commission.

After four-and-a-half years on the part-time regulatory panel, Schreck decided to form a law practice with another one of his mentors, the late Shannon Bybee.

Some 40 years later, Schreck's role in shaping casino licensing has been well documented.

His client roster reads like a state history book. Schreck, 67, represented individuals such as Steve Wynn, Carl Icahn and Sumner Redstone; and companies such as Caesars Entertainment Corp., Wynn Resorts Ltd., MGM Resorts International, Penn National Gaming and Station Casinos.

He helped the late Station Casinos patriarch Frank Fertitta Jr. get his first gaming license in the late 1970s.

Schreck oversaw the licensing process in 18 different states when private equity groups Apollo Management and TPG acquired Harrah's (now Caesars) Entertainment for $17.1 billion.

Schreck helped push through changes in Nevada gaming law in 2009 that increased the maximum stake that a passive institutional investor could own in a publicly traded gaming company without going through licensing. The figure went from 15 percent to 25 percent.

Today, he is at the forefront of Nevada's entry into interactive gaming.

Schreck's firm is representing bwin.party Digitial Entertainment, a European online gaming company that operates PartyPoker and the World Poker Tour.

"This rush by online gaming companies to be licensed in Nevada has generated a tremendous amount of business for me and my firm," Schreck said. "Nevada is perceived as one the 'anointed' states for securing a gaming license which would provide a company wanting to be involved in interstate online gaming in the United States a competitive advantage."

-- Howard Stutz

MARK CLAYTON

Shareholder, Lionel Sawyer & Collins

Mark Clayton is no stranger to Nevada gaming regulators.

Before Clayton represented clients appearing before the Gaming Control Board and Nevada Gaming Commission, he spent three years as a member of the control board and had spent another three years as chief of the board's corporate securities division.

He also served as vice president and/or general counsel for Caesars Entertainment, Aladdin Gaming LLC and the Showboat Inc.

The gaming attorney now spends most of his time consulting or representing foreign countries, casinos operators and Internet companies, some of which are looking to be licensed in Nevada.

"My practice is becoming more international," Clayton said.

He said while Nevada was suffering from the recession, gambling took off in Asia and in Europe as Internet gaming has taken a foothold. Clayton said a number of foreign companies have a desire to be investigated and licensed in Nevada.

He said they want to go through the 12- to 18-month licensing process to position themselves for easier licensing should online poker be legalized state by state or federally in the United States.

He said companies feel that a Nevada gaming license takes "regulatory risk off the table."

Clayton joined Lionel Sawyer & Collins in 2009 as shareholder and member of its gaming and regulatory law department. He's also a member of the executive committee of the Gaming Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada and an adjunct professor for gaming law at the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV.

Clayton said the Boyd School of Law has done well teaching gaming law, but most attorneys working in the niche field today came to it through practicing corporate law or working for the state. He said the recession had forced gaming companies to develop their in-house legal departments.

-- Chris Sieroty

MICHAEL ALONSO

Partner, Lewis & Roca

Even though he grew up in Reno, Michael Alonso never really considered specializing in gaming law.

Alonso was headed toward a career in transactional law when a senior partner where he was working sent him to sit in on a Gaming Control Board hearing.

Alonso was asked after the meeting whether he enjoyed the subject material. When he responded affirmatively, the senior partner told him gaming was where he was now assigned.

"It was trial by fire. I learned along the way," Alonso said. "It's not something I would recommend."

Alonso built a respectable gaming practice for 20 years with the politically connected Jones Vargas law firm, which grew out of the 1998 merger between Vargas & Bartlett and Jones, Jones, Close & Brown.

In March Alonso joined the Reno office of Lewis and Roca, one of the first out-of-state law firms to enter the Nevada market more than a decade ago.

Alonso earned both his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Southern California.

He brought to Lewis & Roca's gaming team experience in gaming and liquor licensing issues; land use; legislation and lobbying; and real estate transactions.

Alonso has also worked as a lobbyist in the Nevada Legislature and local governing bodies.

"His experience, integrity and reputation before the Nevada gaming regulators help fulfill our commitment to offer the highest quality legal services to gaming clients," attorney Anthony Cabot, who heads Lewis and Roca's gaming practice, said in a statement.

-- Howard Stutz

A.J. "BUD" HICKS

Partner, McDonald, Carano, Wilson

A.J. "Bud" Hicks wasn't looking for another job. But when Republican Gov. Brian Sandoval asked him to serve on the governor's planning committee for the 150th anniversary of Nevada's statehood, the amateur historian couldn't turn down the opportunity.

"I know the governor, like me, takes Nevada history very seriously," Hicks said.

Hicks is well known for his knowledge of Nevada's history, particularly in its primary industry, gaming. He also has a reputation as one of the state's premier gaming attorneys, having grown up in and worked in the industry for a number of years.

Before joining the McDonald, Carano, Wilson law firm in 1978, Hicks served as chief deputy in the Nevada attorney general's office and the Nevada Gaming Commission handling gaming-related cases.

"I was also a prosecutor in Washoe County in the gaming crime division, prosecuting several slot cheats in the early 1970s," he said.

Hicks joined the state attorney general's office in 1974 and was involved in a case against Frank "Lefty" Rosenthal, who was found in 1976 to be running four casinos, including the Stardust, without a Nevada gaming license.

Rosenthal was denied a license because of his reputation as an organized crime associate, particularly because of his childhood friendship with mobster Anthony Spilotro. Hicks said his experience working in the attorney general's office and with regulators was the best way to learn about the gaming business.

Today, he's based in Reno as a partner with the McDonald, Carano, Wilson law firm. Hicks splits is time between Reno and Las Vegas.

Hicks said he works with large financial institutions and private equity firms that are looking to restructure their investments in Las Vegas.

-- Chris Sieroty

ANTHONY CABOT

Partner, Lewis & Roca

Anthony Cabot was becoming proficient in Internet gaming law long before online gaming became a worldwide phenomena.

He must have been onto something.

Cabot said Internet gaming will have a changing impact on the casino industry, similar to what Nevada experienced when he was first licensed in 1981.

At the time, casino gaming was confined to Nevada while Atlantic City was in its infancy.

"Gaming law was a local practice when I first started out 30 years ago," Cabot said. "It changed dramatically and quickly as other states and other countries, in Europe, Asia and South America, began legalizing gaming."

Cabot is a partner in the Lewis & Roca law firm, which has offices in Nevada, Arizona, California and New Mexico. He is the practice group leader for the firm's gaming law section, which has 13 full-time attorneys.

Cabot originally worked for Lionel Sawyer & Collins but became one of Lewis & Roca's first Nevada attorneys when the firm expanded into Las Vegas.

Cabot's clients have included casino owners, game developers, Internet gambling sites, and companies that run contests and sweepstakes. Cabot has provided legal advice related to all types of games, encompassing online games, casual games and complex skill-based games.

He's authored or co-authored 10 books on gaming law and gaming regulation. Cabot authored the first editions of "The Internet Gambling Report," which is now in its 12th edition.

The growth of gaming has led Cabot into many emerging gaming markets, where he has offered legal advice on what to consider during the "predevelopment phase," before a casino is actually built and licensed.

"Many of these emerging jurisdictions don't have a lot of experience in gaming regulation," Cabot said. "There is a huge learning curve."

-- Howard Stutz

JEFFREY SILVER

Shareholder, Gordon Silver

Jeffrey Silver was a couple of years into a career as a certified public accountant when he realized that balancing other people's books or doing tax work wasn't for him.

So, one afternoon he decided to enroll in law school at the University of San Diego.

"I was a CPA with a box full of receipts ... adding up debts and credits making sure they came out to be the same number," Silver said. "I couldn't do it for another 30 years, so I said I think I want to go to law school."

Silver said getting his law degree allowed him to "exercise a little more discretion" over his career, which has included stints as the chief deputy district attorney of Clark County, and as a member of the Nevada Gaming Control Board.

He also spent several years working in the gaming industry as general counsel for the Landmark Hotel before moving on to be chief executive of the Riviera and a senior executive at Caesars Palace.

"When I got into the industry it was Nevada and maybe Atlantic City a distant second," Silver said. "Today, gaming is widespread ... everyone is looking at the business to balance their budgets."

Silver is a shareholder in the Gordon Silver law firm that has offices in Nevada, Arizona and Washington, D.C. He is the chairman of the firm's administrative, gaming and government affairs department.

He's authored "Gaming Law" for the American Bar Association's 1997 edition of "The Compleat Lawyer" and has served as a member or chairman of the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

The rapid expansion of Internet and brick-and-mortar gambling has led companies and foreign governments to seek out Silver's advice on various issues. He said some countries considering legalizing gambling come to Las Vegas because they know that "Nevada is the gold standard in terms of regulations."

-- Chris Sieroty

ELLEN WHITTEMORE

Of counsel, Lionel Sawyer & Collins

Ellen Whittemore initially thought her legal career would be in public interest law.

After graduating from the University of San Diego of Law in 1981, the Sparks native came back to Nevada and joined the state attorney general's office, handling matters for the Department of Prisons and the Board of Medical Examiners.

A year later, new Attorney General Brian McKay moved Whittemore into the gaming division.

She never left the field.

"I've been lucky to have learned from some of the best," Whittemore said in a 2009 interview. "And I have had some fabulous clients who have trusted their matters to me."

Whittemore spent seven years in the gaming division before going into private practice with Lionel Sawyer & Collins in 1989, where she is listed as of counsel to the firm.

During her tenure as a deputy attorney general, Nevada's casino industry began to change, as corporate giants began supplanting individual casino owners.

Her initial assignment was helping to write the state's pleadings for argument in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that involved the revocation of the Stardust's license in the 1980s.

She authored gaming regulations that cover corporate accounting matters and how gaming equipment manufacturers bring new games and technology into the market that are still used today. She handled several high-profile issues, including the "near miss" slot machine defect in 1989. Games manufactured by Universal Distributing contained a feature that gave gamblers an impression the machine just missed a jackpot.

"I've been blessed to have Bob Faiss as my mentor," Whittemore said in the 2009 profile. "I've been lucky to have worked and learned from the best. You couldn't find a better gaming lawyer to work for than Bob Faiss and there was no better senior partner than Grant Sawyer."

-- Howard Stutz

< Gaming News
Ready for net gains - Law firms see business bump amid push toward online gaming is republished from Online.CasinoCity.com.
CASINO CITY NETWORK: Casino City | Online Casino City | Casino City Times | Poker Zone | Casino City Press | Casino Vendors

Casino City is an independent directory and information service free of any gaming operator's control. Warning: You must ensure you meet all age and other regulatory requirements before entering a Casino or placing a wager. There are hundreds of jurisdictions in the world with Internet access and hundreds of different games and gambling opportunities available on the Internet. YOU are responsible for determining if it is legal for YOU to play any particular games or place any particular wager.

Terms of Use | Privacy Policy Copyright © 2002-2012 Casino City, Inc. or its affiliates.