Bar Poker League

Defying · May 6, 2010

I been apart of a point bar poker league for almost a year. It's been a lot of fun but has fallen off greatly recently because the owner got a new job and kinda let us go. So I am thinking about starting my own. I already did the financial analysis and I have a good idea what to charge and how much money I can expect and what not, and the bottom line is, it's worth it to me...

However, I want to make sure I am doing it 100% RIGHT AND LEGALLY!

I called a lawyer and he wanted $1700 for advice #%()

So here I turn to the RX.. My main, and really only concern is the prizes...

We do not accept any money from the players, the funds come from the restrurants who have us there to bring in people.

Currently how it works, is we play for X amount of weeks, after that time, we have a tournment for the top Y amount of players in the standings. They play in one big tournament, and the winner gets $1500 to play in a poker tournament in AC

Is this structure legal in VIRGINIA??

Also, when I take it over, I would like to include some smaller prize, like best hand of the night gets a $10 gift certificate to that restrurant... the overall point leader at the half way point gets $50 certificate to some place or another...

Is this legal?

If IT IS NOT, I have some other ideas, but first let me find out where I stand with the current format.

THANKS! :toast:

Betallsports · May 6, 2010

I'll only Charge you $1,699.01

http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/Virginia/

TheKinz · May 6, 2010

as long as you are giving out gift certs you should be OK. I think as long as you are not giving cash prizes you are in the clear. I have played in many tourneys that pay an entry fee into some bigger tourney (i.e WSOP) for the winner. Most of the tourneys along with giving gift certs and entry fees also benefited a local charity. food for thought..

Defying · May 6, 2010

Betallsports said:
I'll only Charge you $1,699.01

http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/Virginia/

Already saw that BAS, not much help there.. thanks though

Defying · May 6, 2010

The Kinz said:
as long as you are giving out gift certs you should be OK. I think as long as you are not giving cash prizes you are in the clear. I have played in many tourneys that pay an entry fee into some bigger tourney (i.e WSOP) for the winner. Most of the tourneys along with giving gift certs and entry fees also benefited a local charity. food for thought..

Is entry into a tournament considered a gift certificate??

What about those that take the money, and want some of it to pay for travel expenses??

And you are on my train of thought Kinz, once I get it established, I plan to attach my own non profit to it... but for now, it would be for profit

WorldNumberOne · May 6, 2010

i would imagine the winners would have to claim the winnings , even if it is in the form of an entry to another event.

TheKinz · May 6, 2010

Remember I am only going off my experience and I am in FLORIDA. There was never a cash prize option. In the couple I played in entry was $100. Had to have min. #of players registered. First place was paid entry to WSOP and a travel voucher for $500 for hotel. If the winner wanted to sell his entry after the tourney it was up to him but there was no cash option. All other places were gift certifcates for restaurants and stores around the city. You can not win cash money in Florida except at hard rocks or paramutuals. I do not know if you had to claim the WSOP entry because it was not actual money received and it was through a charity.

things may be very different in VA. You want it completely legal and make money. I don't think that could happen in Florida. WNO?

Defying · May 7, 2010

anyone know anything more in terms of prizes that can be given?

nhoj · May 7, 2010

If your making a profit off of gambling you are breaking some law in the US. It is that easy. Breaking the law is not a bad deal until you get caught.

Defying · May 7, 2010

nhoj said:
If your making a profit off of gambling you are breaking some law in the US. It is that easy. Breaking the law is not a bad deal until you get caught.

again, I know that to be not true.... I am asking about how to give prizes....

hno:

pickempete · May 8, 2010

Make all gambling legal in the United States and tax it, and everybody would be happy, except for all the bible thumpers and the rest of the religeous retards. :toast::toast::toast: