When does a "home" poker game become illegal gambling?

[dxkj]

Or is even a $1 buy in game with pennies "illegal" in most states?


A friend asked me this and I had no idea.

 

[SaigonK]

Gambling is illegal in all states excpet Nevada I think (correct me if I am wrong),
I know here in Maine, it is illegal to gamble when playing poker...whether it is $1 or $1000.

 

[XZeroII]

It's illegal, but it's not like they are going to raid your house for playing $1 games.

 

[ElFenix]

actually most states have laws that say gambling is legal as long as someone isn't taking a cut off the top (aka no bookie, casino, etc.)

 

[DWW]

Its illegal as soon as there is money involved and the government isn't getting some. Otherwise if they are getting some its actually promoted by them

Kind of like when they say smoking is bad, sue cig companies for billions in damages and stuff for cancer patients and lung diseases and then turn around and tax cigs so much that over HALF of what you pay is to the government (in ontario canada). Ah double standards, aren't they so great?

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: DWW

Kind of like when they say smoking is bad, sue cig companies for billions in damages and stuff for cancer patients and lung diseases and then turn around and tax cigs so much that over HALF of what you pay is to the government (in ontario canada). Ah double standards, aren't they so great?

how is that a double standard? the taxes are going to the gov't and help pay for the medical costs smokers incur. the higher tax also discourages people from smoking.

 

[dxkj]

ok was just curious, My friend thought it became illegal at a certain dollar amount. I kinda thought that made sense (why would uncle sam want a cut from a dollar buy in)


Anyway, thanks

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: dxkj
ok was just curious, My friend thought it became illegal at a certain dollar amount. I kinda thought that made sense (why would uncle sam want a cut from a dollar buy in)


Anyway, thanks

its illegal if you're not reporting winnings on your taxes

 

[DWW]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: DWW

Kind of like when they say smoking is bad, sue cig companies for billions in damages and stuff for cancer patients and lung diseases and then turn around and tax cigs so much that over HALF of what you pay is to the government (in ontario canada). Ah double standards, aren't they so great?

how is that a double standard? the taxes are going to the gov't and help pay for the medical costs smokers incur. the higher tax also discourages people from smoking.

Well by profitting money (and they are... you don't really think its all going to medical costs do you?) they are saying its okay on one hand because they'll get money from it and then turn around and slap the hand of the makers because they don't want to front the medical costs--so which is it?

Anyhow your in Texas, I didn't think they had socialized healthcare in the USA?

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: dxkj
ok was just curious, My friend thought it became illegal at a certain dollar amount. I kinda thought that made sense (why would uncle sam want a cut from a dollar buy in)


Anyway, thanks

its illegal if you're not reporting winnings on your taxes

is the gambling illegal or just lying on your taxes?

 

[Joker81]

all I can say is make sure you are the house. Usually if someone wins 13.30 they will be happy with 13.00. Somehow the last time I played I was down $5 but after paying out to everyone somehow $5 was found so I came out even.

 

[pulse8]

Originally posted by: SaigonK
Gambling is illegal in all states excpet Nevada I think (correct me if I am wrong),
I know here in Maine, it is illegal to gamble when playing poker...whether it is $1 or $1000.

Gambling is legal in at least California, New Jersey and Louisiana.

 

[gistech1978]

gambling is essentially legal in all states it seems
be it casinos, church or elks club bingo, raffles or lotteries
in KC, MO you can hop on a riverboat and gamble, las vegas style
you can do this as well in louisiana
in OK there are probably a hundred casinos operated by native americans.
they arent las vegas style gaming meaning no table games but if slot machines are your thing, then you can gamble all you want here.

 

[NogginBoink]

While putting on a casino night in Houston I read the Texas AG's opinion on the matter.

IF:

1) there's chance involved
2) you have to pay to play and
3) value of prizes exceeds $25

it's illegal.

Which included our charity fundraiser casino night.

 

[spidey07]

I'm pretty sure there is nothing illegal about a game of poker in your private home.