Sign up for email updates from SBAReceive helpful business tips and upcoming events in your area.


Privacy Policy
Log in to SBA.gov:
Enter your SBA.gov username.
Enter the password that accompanies your username.

Community Header Banner

Gambling business obligations

by tcourl, Window Shopper

  • Created: February 2, 2010, 1:27 pm
Share:
3 comments

Hello,

We recently launched our online poker coach business (www.mypokercoach.net) and, while players are not playing real money, the website could still be considered as a gambling business.

(especially since the website requires the players to create a 'real money' account on a specific online gambling website to get access to the 'Pro' version of our coach)

Hence, if our business would be located in the US, to what taxes or legal obligations would it be subject to? (no US located employees)

Many thanks

---

This post has been unlinked. Read about Community Best Practices here.

Message Edited by ChristineL on 02-02-2010 01:48 PM

Tags: Discuss Popular Topics, Other Business Issues
‹ Chaning a Business Name Question about a Business Idea ›

Odds | Window Shopper | 3/8/2010 - 4:51 am

I think with the current online gambling legislation this is actually very unclear as there are so many different interpretations. I'm guessing it'll also depend in part on which state your business is operating from.

NicoleD | Former Moderator | 3/9/2010 - 12:23 pm

Thanks for chiming in everyone. To the original poster - it's not clear if you want to hold a raffle as part of your business's marketing effort, or if you just want to sell some of your personal belongings. Please provide some more details so we can offer you a more targeted response.

NicoleD | Former Moderator | 3/9/2010 - 12:57 pm

Are you familiar with the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act of 2006? The Act prohibits gambling businesses from knowingly accepting payments in connection with unlawful Internet gambling, including payments made through credit cards, electronic funds transfers, and checks. The American Gaming Association* provides more background on this Act and other gambling legislation, but this seems to be a complicated issue even within the gaming industry. I recommend that you consult with a small business lawyer or your state's gaming commission to ensure that you are operating a legal business.