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Alumnus carries forward a gaming law legacy through legal expertise and education
Glenn Wichinsky, ’82, draws inspiration from his late father, a renowned gaming executive. He shares his 40 years of legal expertise in the classroom at McGeorge School of Law, offering students firsthand insights on gaming law. He carries on his father’s legacy and even established a scholarship in his honor to further support the next generation of gaming law attorneys.
“My father was a pioneer in the global gaming industry and was a positive and instructive influence to many who chose to pursue a career in gaming. It was a result of his support that provided me with the opportunity to attend the McGeorge School of Law and to become recognized in my professional career,” Wichinsky said.
Wichinsky is a gaming and business law attorney from Boca Raton, Florida. As a licensed attorney in the states of Nevada and Florida and with over 40 years in the gaming industry, he assists both domestic and international companies in navigating the legal and regulatory complexities of the global gaming industry.
Wichinsky earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Miami before pursuing his Juris Doctor degree at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
Drawing from a background in the gaming business, Wichinsky was inspired to start a career in gaming law by his father Michael “Mickey” Wichinsky, a legendary gaming executive in Nevada for many years. His practice focuses on providing comprehensive legal and business advice to clients aiming to expand into new international markets while adhering strictly to gaming laws and regulations.
Throughout his career, Wichinsky has held various roles within the gaming industry, including president, general counsel, director, and compliance officer for both public and private gaming companies. He has also managed licensed casinos in Las Vegas and Laughlin, Nevada, and was a licensed manufacturer, distributor, and operator of land-based electronic gaming machines in Nevada.
Since 2018, Wichinsky has served as a member of the adjunct faculty at his alma mater McGeorge School of Law, teaching an annual spring intersession course titled “LAW 699J: Gaming Law and Regulation.” This course aims to offer fundamental comprehension and practical skills related to both the North American and global gaming sectors. It covers topics such as the legal definition of gambling, regulatory frameworks for tribal and commercial gaming at federal and state levels, the procedures for securing gaming licenses, technology licensing, structuring business entities to meet gaming license criteria, regulatory oversight of gaming operations, as well as examining public policy concerns and addressing issues related to problem gambling.
Student testimonials include saying, “The real-life stories Professor Wichinsky provided were so valuable because his first-hand experience and expertise in the field lent to very thoughtful discussions,” and “this course adds value to McGeorge School of Law's class offerings.”
Wichinsky's influence extends beyond legal practice, as he is an author of several industry articles and publications, covering topics such as ethics in gaming and the economic impact of legalized gambling. He is a sought-after speaker at professional gaming law forums and conferences, including those sponsored by the American Bar Association.
In honor of his father, Wichinsky has created the Michael ‘Mickey’ Wichinsky Gaming Law Endowed Scholarship for McGeorge School of Law students interested in a career in Gaming Law.
Mickey Wichinsky was a former part owner and casino executive at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas, the first Southern Nevada distributor for Bally Manufacturing Corporation, owner and president of Games of Nevada, owner and president of Gamemasters, and owner and president of Advanced Gaming Technologies, Inc. With Bally, he assisted in the development and introduction of the first electromechanical slot machine to the Nevada casino industry which revolutionized the gaming industry with its unique hopper system which allowed for multiple-coin jackpot payouts.
Glenn Wichinsky continues upholding the legacy of his father, Mickey Wichinsky, as an expert in the gaming industry, and teacher of the next generation of gaming law attorneys.
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