hosting tourneys illegal?

I am planning on hosting a tournament for roughly 20-30 players with a $60 buyin with a $30 buyback in texas hold'em. Winner gets $1000 2nd gets $200 and Third gets $90. Of course I would pocket the remaining buybacks, for hosting and getting people interested.
If anybody has an idea of the legality of the situation please post a message.
thanks,
jon

Originally Posted by Unregistered

Of course I would pocket the remaining buybacks, for hosting and getting people interested.

Of course you pocket the rebuys? You better make that clear to players cause that is a lot of overhead.

I am no lawyer but I think it sounds more legit if you charge a door fee and keep that for food and drinks or whatever overhead you have. I would put the rebuy money in the prize pot, just to be safe.

Rule of thumb: If you're in this to make money you're on thin ice.

[deekay140]

depends on what state you live in, but most likely is illegal.

[Iceman37]

...I POSITIVELY guarantee you this is illegal, particularly in Texas.

That being said, it's done every day of the week, particularly in Texas.

But know you're in dutch if you get caught...and try to get players who aren't going to whine when they lose, if that's even possible. It's whiny-assed players who bring down good poker games.

But that doesn't mean you won't go to jail for it.
Having a for profit poker game (tournament or cash) is going to be against the law.

[deekay140]

With that being said, how do we get there?

The short answer is that if the house (in this case you) makes any money off the game, it's illegal. That could include something as inoccuous as charging $5 per coke. In some states any kind of a cash game is illegal.

Follow this link for guidance: [url]http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Law-Summary/[/url]

In New Jersey, being the most democratic pathetic state, you will defineately get it up the ass. 100% illegal. House can not profit from the game in any way shape or form, including just buying food or drink with the money. Several great clubs have been raided and put through hell, just because poker enthusiasts are looking to enjoy tournaments....

thats true for jersey do not know about other states not sure about the buy back option good luck finding players to agree to that stipulation and if you find players willing to give up thier buy backs send them my way please have a nice little house game in jersey lots of action would welcome them with open arms

There are several sites on the internet that provide the basic laws of " Gambling " in your state.

[url]http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/[/url]

Texas laws are clear as to what can or can't be illegal. However, from reading the laws of the State concerning gambling. it appears that the State itself is in violation by running a Lottery scheme. Of course I am sure there is a " legal" loophole that prevents them from being shut down. God love those politicians.

(7) "Lottery" means any scheme or procedure whereby one or more prizes are distributed by chance among persons who have paid or promised consideration for a chance to win anything of value, whether such scheme or procedure is called a pool, lottery, raffle, gift, gift enterprise, sale, policy game, or some other name.

I play in several back room poker places here in Dallas and we have no fear of getting raided. Why? Becasue the AG and or the Police have better things to do. As for as the home games...if you have cars parked out in the street at all hours of the night? You will run the risk of a neighbor complaining and then the police have to honor that complaint. If there is so called illegal activity going on...then you are in trouble. I have spoken to several police officers about these rooms and they are familiar with them. It was stated that until there is a complaint or problems they will not investigate. I guess it is like the massage parlors. We know that they do other things than a simple massage but they know that unless there is a complaint then they are ok. So with that being said , let''s hope that the laws can be changed to accomodate the growing interest in Poker and allow some form in each state.
Be safe and have fun

[www.pokerpal.ca]

My lawyer says it's a gray area in Canada. He's comfortable with entertainment costs vs buy-in or entry fee and he would be more comfortable with charity tournaments. As long as the money or some other personal benefit is not the focus of the event.

[AceofSpader]

Please tell me what gaming is truly legal?

The only reason the state considers it to be illegal is because those greedy politicians apparently arent making enough money off the taxpayers money and arent making money off the little guy.

Kinda makes me want to host one and stick it to the man.

I might be doing this when I get back to Ohio! ^^

I think a $5 door fee should apply while it can be used to buy food/drink or whatever and just pocket rebuys.

Besides, that late at night, whos gonna say anything?

It should be made a rule that once you lose, you cant whine and cry about it.

Players should know what they should spend and what they shouldnt.

At least thats the route Ill be taking.

AoS