DICKINSON WRIGHT
AT ODDS With the country in a period of serious and consequential self reflection and change, Jeffrey Silver, Of Counsel at Dickinson Wright, PLLC, explores the possibility of the gaming industry moving toward a more socialist framework. The United States appears to be at a crossroads in deciding whether its people will or should embrace the concept of socialism. The last election exposed the great economic and power imbalance in this country, which initially focused on the privileges and advantages enjoyed by the rich versus the middle class. But has since pivoted to perceptions of prejudices and disparate treatment between citizens and non-citizens, as well as people of European descent and people of color, sexuality, gun owners and gun abolitionists, and every other manner that people who were once united could be divided. All of these polarizing issues have created dissention, anger and in some cases, violence. Many of us are in a state of shock to see how rapidly the fabric of our society is being deconstructed, while certain media outlets have eagerly fanned the flames of controversy in order to keep this powerful narrative of divisiveness and tension in the forefront of everyone’s mind. 10 GAMINGAMERICA
Meanwhile, after a year of closure, the gaming industry has been dealing with its own economic and human resources turmoil and is content to be distracted from what could be transformative events. Despite catch-word claims of “virtue signaling,” the vast majority of Americans actually agree with the democratic principles of equal justice, equal opportunity, fairness and non-discrimination for all. The stumbling point would be the suggestion that there should be an equal outcome for all, which is contrary to a meritocracy. There will be no All Star Game in Georgia this year and if some have their way, perhaps every WNBA player will be paid the same salary as Steph Curry or LeBron James. After all, under true socialism, everyone must be equal, and individual talents or star power would become meaningless attributes. Where does all of this change leave the gaming industry? Las Vegas has certainly experienced a recent pent-up demand by customers anxious to escape from their year-long
