Video Game Regulation and the Courts

Authors

Linda Sue Dobb

Abstract

Local governments have traditionally used anti-gambling, licensing and curfew statutes to control the presence of pinball machines, pool halls and bowling alleys within their communities. This note analyzes the recent use of similar statutes to limit the number of video games, the location of video arcades and the ownership of amusement centers. It concentrates on the constitutional challenges by owners of video devices to anti-gambling, licensing and curfew statutes as applied to these games. The rights of property owners, youths and games players of all ages are examined as courts decide whether "Pac-Man," 'Space Invaders" and "Asteroids" are entitled to first amendment protection.

Recommended Citation

Linda Sue Dobb, Video Game Regulation and the Courts, 5 UC Law SF Comm. & Ent. L.J. 549 (1983).
Available at: https://repository.uclawsf.edu/hastings_comm_ent_law_journal/vol5/iss3/5