Shuffle Master wins round one in case against Joe Awada

The United States District Court of Nevada has provisionally sided with Shuffle Master, Inc. when it issued a temporary restraining order against Yehia "Joe" Awada and his company, Gaming Entertainment, Inc., in a trademark case concerning the casino game Play Four Poker.

In the case, Shuffle Master claims Gaming Entertainment violated trademark law when it developed and promoted Play Four Poker.

A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Oct. 17.

Awada, who achieved moderate poker fame by making several final tables at the World Series of Poker in the last few years, owns Gaming Entertainment, which has developed several casino games, including 3-5-7 Poker, Pai Gow Plus, and 3-Way Action.

Shuffle Master's automatic shufflers can be found at poker tables everywhere. Like Gaming Entertainment, it also develops and leases casino games, such as Let It Ride Bonus, Casino War, Royal Match 21, and Four Card Poker.

Until the case is settled, Gaming Entertainment may not promote or distribute its Play Four Poker game.

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