The International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) is an invitation-only, non-profit association dedicated to education and the advancement of the gaming law profession, and to establishing an exchange of professional information about the local and global practice and development of gaming law.

There are two classes of members, namely general and affiliated. The nature and criteria for membership is set out below.

All general members are attorneys at law who maintain complete autonomy, render professional services to their respective clients on an individual and separate basis, and are not restricted in referring, handling or accepting cases or in joining other professional organizations. Each general member is an independent lawyer who is responsible only for the work which he/she carries out.

All general members may contact other members for advice or consultation at no charge. This advice or consultation is limited, however, to general discussions of the current status of the law or other issues and should not exceed 30 minutes per consultation.

General members also are encouraged to provide reasonable assistance to other members such as making office space, conference rooms, telephones, and fax machines available.

General members must meet the following qualifications:

1. Engaged in the private practice of gaming law;
2. Have at least five years experience in gaming law (or two years in jurisdictions that have recently legalized gaming) as a private practitioner;
3. Demonstrate skills or knowledge that distinguish their performance as a gaming attorney;
4. Have a distinguished list of gaming clients; and
5. Participate in philanthropic, charitable or educational programs related to the industry.

An affiliated member may either be a regulator employed in a high-level policy making position by a gaming regulatory agency; or an in-house counsel for a gaming company with at least five years experience in gaming law; or an educator at an institution of higher education with an emphasis on gaming law; or an accountant with at least five years experience engaged in the gaming industry; or a consultant with at least five years experience providing services to the gaming industry. Additionally, each affiliated member must demonstrate skills or knowledge that distinguish their performance as a gaming industry leader.

Membership is by invitation only. Only general members may nominate a person for membership. Once an application has received approval of 80% of the members of the membership committee, the application is then circulated to the general membership for approval. Membership is determined by ballot of all general members. A majority of votes is necessary for approval. No more than two persons may be nominated as general members from any geographic location, as set by the membership at its annual meeting. Membership is personal to the individual and is not transferable or applicable to the member's firm.

A primary concern of this organization is to remain non-political. Therefore, all general members are members of the Board of Directors and all matters are decided by the general membership. Officers' positions will be nominal only and should not serve any ceremonial role.

A primary objective of the organization is to provide a network for members to keep informed of legal developments that impact their practice. Rather than have a newsletter, this is done electronically through emails. Each member is obligated to provide short (about 100 words) bulletins on emerging developments in their jurisdiction. These bulletins are sent to a Webmaster and distribute via email to all members. Each member is encouraged to do this monthly, but are obligated to do it at least twice each year.

The IMGL holds at least two meeting a year. One is an annual membership meeting set in the spring of each year, usually in connection with a dedicated gaming law conference. The second meeting is set in the fall of each year.

The general member dues have been fixed in the amount of $1,500.00 annually per member. Dues for affiliated members have been fixed in the amount of $750.00 annually for an in-house counsel, accountant, consultant or young gaming attorney, and $150.00 annually for an educator or regulator.

Revised 10/22/07
1st revision 5/21/04