A casino’s name can be worth more than the building it sits in — especially in Las Vegas. El Cortez, one of the city’s oldest hotel-casinos, registered its trademarks decades ago. Everything is protected — from the name to the branded T-shirts. Caesars Palace took it even further: the Roman theme, the marble columns, even the font — all are legally safeguarded. It’s not just atmosphere — it’s capital, and it’s protection.

Any recognizable icon on a slot machine reel, every sign or slogan — chances are, it’s trademarked. Casinos spend real money to secure these rights. Otherwise, competitors could copy the ideas and steal customers. In the fight for attention, it’s not just about what’s on the table — it’s what’s filed at the patent office.

The case involving the name “Plaza” proves that luck isn’t everything in this business. Two major Las Vegas property owners — Tamares and El Ad — ended up in court over a single word. One owned an established hotel, the other wanted to launch a new one under the same name. The result: a lengthy legal battle and avoidable expenses.

A trademark is not just paperwork. If you register the name, you own it. If you don’t, you risk losing everything — even if your hotel has been downtown for decades. Las Vegas has gone through countless ownership changes, but battles over names have always brought old rivalries to the surface. And the winner is usually the one who acted first.

Not every casino game can be copied without consequences. Some are protected by patents — just like medications or tech devices. For instance, you can build your own version of Plinko, a game popular according to the portal plinkogames.in. But try that with Aviator — or Three Card Poker — and you’ll run into legal issues. The inventor of Three Card Poker holds multiple patents, and any attempt to launch a similar game now requires a license.

It’s not just game rules that are protected. Patents can cover interface details, payout mechanics, and even unique reel animations. Slot machines have their own trade secrets — from random number generators to visual effects. These can all be registered and licensed. Some create, others rent. But no one wants to be labeled a knockoff. In an industry where speed, impact, and originality matter, a patent can be a serious competitive edge — and sometimes a deciding one.

Slot machines have moved far beyond sevens and cherries. Now they feature movie characters, TV scenes, and familiar tunes. All thanks to licensing. Casinos pay for the right to use well-known brands — because it works. People are more likely to approach a slot with their favorite character than one with a generic theme.

Take the slot based on Little Shop of Horrors, for example. It features music, visuals, and styling from the film. The game becomes almost interactive. For rights holders, it’s extra revenue. For casinos, it’s a way to stand out — especially in cities with hundreds of nearly identical rooms filled with lights and tables.

Gambling isn’t just about risk — it’s about strategy. A successful casino relies not only on foot traffic but also on protecting its ideas. Trademarks, patents, and licenses aren’t just paperwork — they’re revenue tools.

If you have a name people recognize and a game competitors can’t duplicate, you’re ahead. Add a machine playing a nostalgic tune by the entrance, and your odds triple. Today, this approach matters more than ever. Online casinos, mobile apps, even NFT chips — each innovation demands a new kind of protection. And every one of them can become a valuable intellectual asset.