A.G. Burnett
Partner
Areas of Practice
Bar Admissions
- Nevada
Court Admissions
- Nevada
Education
- J.D., Gonzaga University School of Law , 1996
- B.A., University of Nevada, International Affairs and Political Science, 1992
Professional Background
A.G. Burnett is a Partner in the Gaming & Administrative Law Group with McDonald Carano. For nearly 20 years he served as a gaming regulator before joining McDonald Carano. Due to his extensive experience working in and with regulatory agencies in Nevada and throughout the world, he is uniquely positioned to advise regulatory agencies, federal agencies and others in meeting and crafting regulatory standards, as well as represent gaming industry individuals, businesses and investors, including those in the rapidly developing areas of sports betting and Esports, in navigating regulatory requirements in Nevada and across international borders. Mr. Burnett also assists companies with their compliance programs and compliance obligations, and has served as an expert witness in a contested gaming-related tax matter.
Mr. Burnett is highly ranked in The Best Lawyers in America (Lawyer of the Year award in 2020 and 2023) and Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business (only Band 1 ranked gaming lawyer in Nevada). Clients describe Mr. Burnett to Chambers researchers as “He’s got unbelievable insight into the gaming regulatory world. He has a great network and understands how the regulators think.” “A dynamic team player who strives for win/win solutions to complex problems.” “He has a great network within the gaming regulatory community, and he uniquely understands how the regulators think about things.” “He is incredibly knowledgeable and has expertise in gaming law.” “He comes up with practical solutions for complicated problems.” “A.G. is an excellent lawyer.”
Prior to joining McDonald Carano, Mr. Burnett served as the Chairman of the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) from 2012 through 2017 and as a member of the Governor’s Gaming Policy Committee. During his service as Chairman of the NGCB, Mr. Burnett was the State’s primary representative before the Nevada Legislature on matters pertaining to the gaming industry and was also responsible for negotiation and oversight of compacts with sovereign tribal organizations having gaming operations in the State of Nevada. Prior to serving as NGCB Chairman and as a Member of the NGCB, Mr. Burnett was employed by the NGCB as Deputy Chief of the NGCB’s Corporate Securities Division where he oversaw regulatory and investigative activities concerning publicly traded companies and lenders involved in the gaming industry. During his service with the NGCB, he worked extensively with the regulators of other gaming jurisdictions on matters of shared interest relating to the gaming industry and its growth throughout the world.
Prior to his employment with the NGCB, Mr. Burnett served as Senior Deputy Nevada Attorney General representing the NGCB, the Nevada Gaming Commission, and the Nevada Commission on Sports. During that time, he handled litigation matters on behalf of Nevada’s regulatory authorities including disciplinary actions, tax disputes, and disputed licensing matters. From 2012 to 2015, he served as a Trustee and the Treasurer for the International Association of Gaming Regulators. He also serves as a member of the William S. Boyd School of Law Gaming Law Advisory Board. For six years, Mr. Burnett also served on the Executive Committee of the State Bar of Nevada’s Gaming Law Section.
Mr. Burnett has provided testimony and has spoken extensively on matters relating to gaming regulation, cooperation among gaming authorities, regulatory compliance, and current developments in the gaming industry throughout the United States and various international venues. Mr. Burnett currently serves in an advisory and consulting role to the American Gaming Association, specifically regarding the legalization and regulation of gaming and sports betting throughout the U.S. In this role, he provides strategic guidance to the AGA and its stakeholders such as state and federal legislators and regulators.
Mr. Burnett currently serves as Nevada Gaming Counsel (and advises regarding other matters including gaming policy and lobbying assistance, gaming licensing in other jurisdictions, mergers and acquisitions, and employment matters) and/or serves as an independent member of the Regulatory and Compliance Committee of gaming companies based in Australia, Japan, Korea, Slovenia, and the United Kingdom. Mr. Burnett served as Nevada Gaming Counsel to Hard Rock International in its December 13, 2021 agreement to acquire the operations of The Mirage Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for $1.075 billion and enter into a long-term lease agreement with VICI Properties Inc. for the real estate property of The Mirage.
Professional Affiliations
- Member, Nevada Advisory Committee, U.S. Global Leadership Coalition
- Member, International Masters of Gaming Law
- Member, International Association of Gaming Advisors (former member of Board of Trustees, former member of Regulator Relations Committee, former Chair of Governance Committee)
- Member, Gaming Law Advisory Board, UNLV William S. Boyd School of Law
Community Engagement
- Member, Board of Directors, Northern Nevada HOPES
- Member, Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo’s Tourism, Gaming and Sports Working Committee
Awards and Recognition
- Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business – Band 1 in Gaming & Licensing Law/Nevada (only Band 1 ranked gaming law attorney in Nevada) and Band 2 in Gaming & Licensing Law/US-Nationwide (2021-2023)
- Business Today – Top 10 Influential Nevada Gaming & Licensing Lawyers (2023)
- The Best Lawyers in America – Gaming Law (2020-2024)
- The Best Lawyers in America – “Lawyer of the Year” in Gaming Law (2020, 2023)
- The Best Lawyers in America – Administrative and Regulatory Law (2022-2024)
- Nevada Business Magazine – “Legal Elite/Top Rank Attorneys” (2023)
- Lawyer Monthly, Legal Awards 2021, Gaming Law Lawyer of the Year USA (2021)
- International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL) – “Outstanding Achievement Award for the Americas” (2018)
Attorney News
7 “Lawyer of the Year” Awards in Gaming Law
In 2024, McDonald Carano celebrated our seventh “Lawyer of the Year” award in Gaming Law from The Best Lawyers in America. A.J. “Bud” Hicks received the award in 2024, 2021,…
23 Reno Office Lawyers Recognized in Best Lawyers® and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch®
McDonald Carano proudly announces that 21 of our Reno office lawyers have been selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2024 edition of The Best Lawyers in America® and two…
Top 10 Influential Nevada Gaming & Licensing Lawyers in 2023
McDonald Carano congratulates A.G. Burnett, Greg Giordano, and Dennis Gutwald on being included in Business Today’s list of the “Top 10 Influential Nevada Gaming & Licensing Lawyers” for 2023. Business…
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