Legality of Online Poker

hackers238 · #1 11-07-04, 01:23 AM

I remember numerous threads about this in RGP, and I want to hear what people have to say.

I live in Massachusetts where it is illegal to gamble. Is it legal for me to gamble online, as long as that online casino is not run inside of Massachusetts? And If it is illegal technically, is it something that the cops will come to my house and arrest me for?

2Tone · #2 11-07-04, 01:30 AM

... seems to know what he is talking about, though the answers are frustratingly vague. It's certainly not something I would worry much about though?

Where in Mass? I grew up outside of Worcester. Wormtown rocks!

hackers238 · #3 11-07-04, 01:36 AM

haha, Westminster MA, a little town near Leominster. I commute to Worcestor Mon-Fri though!

Penguinfan · #4 11-07-04, 08:50 AM

I have said this at numerous other forums, and may have put it in a thread here as well, but all I would say is pay the taxes on your winnings and don't worry about the rest. I have been called very colorful names for this advice, but in the doubtful event you do get prosecuted for off shore gambling (in my case the winnings are from sportsbooks and horses) they will look into your financial dealings and if you can't prove you lost money then the IRS will get involved in a hurry. My favorite example of this is Pete Rose, he didn't violate some grey area of the law, he flat out broke federal statutes, and quite a few of them, but what did he serve time for? TAX EVASION and nothing else. If you think sticking your local bookie will get you in trouble, brother you haven't seen anything yet.
I can argue that this is a good idea simply because if you ever get a pyout via check from an offshore outfit the majority of them do have accounts in the US and the check you get wil from a US bank, I have got several and know this is the case, there is a paper trail. Pay the taxes on any winning you would normally claim and don't even think about the rest.

GeoffM · #5 11-08-04, 04:33 PM

Due to the legal confusion associated with where the bet is being placed as to where the bet is being received, it is currently not legal or illegal, but rather in the gray area. Let's just say the FBI won't be breaking down your door any time soon to throw you in jail.

eddo31 · #6 11-09-04, 02:33 AM

yeah, i dont think that nailing individual online players is the fbi's biggest priority right now. if it is, then that might just give me another reason to move to canada. pay your taxes, and everything will be fine.

i also live in mass, and i am just curious,. but do you know exactly what types of gambling are prohibited? can you have a home game with no rake? not that the feds are going to bust up any of my games, but i would be interested in knowing.