The skill-based real-money gaming market is red hot in the United States, fueled in large part by the ubiquity of smart phones. We all play games on our phones and real-money gaming provides a quick, fun way to win some money for casual players. The games are not difficult to learn, offer free practice play,…
Author: Artaev at Law
Dan Artaev is an expert attorney, specializing in business law issues that affect modern high-tech businesses. Dan’s international background, as well as 10+ years of experience in private business litigation, contract law, and as a government labor lawyer are especially valuable to his clients. Dan is also a proud husband, dad, and cat owner with many hobbies, including triathlon training.
e-mail: dan@artaevatlaw.com
Ask the Crypto Tax Lawyer: How Can I Reduce My Crypto Taxes?
Important: The information in this article applies to individual investors and LLCs that are taxed as pass-through entities. The rules are different for corporations and LLCs electing to be taxed as a corporation and are not addressed here. This article is for informational and promotional purposes only and, as always, you should consult with a…
Real-Money Skill Gaming in the U.S: Is Your Game More Fantasy Sports or Pure Contest?
In 2021, there are many opportunities to play games for real money online, even if your particular state does not offer full-scale online casino operations. Daily Fantasy Sports (or “DFS”) is one hugely popular entertainment option. Real-money pure-skill contests are another. Video game tournaments, leaderboards, and prize pools are also available, as well as countless…
Ask the Crypto Tax Lawyer: What Are the Tax Implications of Cryptocurrency and NFT Investing?
Important: The information in this article applies to individual investors and LLCs that are taxed as pass-through entities. The rules are different for corporations and LLCs electing to be taxed as a corporation and are not addressed here. This article is for informational and promotional purposes only and, as always, you should consult with a…
The Facts About Real-Money Skill Gaming: Dispelling 5 Common Internet Myths.
Artaev at Law advises companies looking to launch new technologies and tap into the skill-based real-money game market in the United States. In keeping up with the latest legal and regulatory trends, we do a lot of research, and we have seen a lot of misleading and downright false information on the internet. Do not…
Is Playing Video Games for Real Money Legal? It May Depend on the Game.
Skill-based real-money gaming is a growing industry worldwide. Previously, I wrote about the legality of playing casual games like Solitaire and bingo derivatives for real money. But what about console or PC games like FIFA ‘21, NHL ‘21, Madden ‘21, NBA2K21, and PGA2K21? Shooters like Call of Duty, CS:GO, and Fortnite? Strategy card games like…
Can I Use Cryptocurrency in My Business? Yes, But Proceed With Caution. A Lot of Caution.
Update: May 19, 2021 is seeing cryptocurrency values plummet, reacting to China banning financial and payment institutions from using cryptocurrencies. While individuals are not currently prohibited from holding crypto, China has effectively decimated crypto’s utility in the country. China has also officially warned investors against speculation. As of the time of this writing, Bitcoin value…
Can a Self-Directed IRA (“SDIRA”) Invest in Cryptocurrency and NFTs?
Self-directed IRAs (“SDIRAs”) can be a powerful investment tool when used the right way. Instead of relying on a bank or brokerage to hold and invest your retirement accounts, the SDIRA gives you direct control over what to invest in for your retirement. Best of all, the SDIRA is not limited to the traditional stock…
I Don’t Want to Wait…For My Rights to Be Over: Licensing and Streaming.
If you are a fan of 1990s and early 2000s TV shows like Dawson’s Creek, X-Files, Scrubs, etc., and you’ve revisited them on a streaming platform, you may have noticed that the music is not quite how you remember it. Sometimes the problem is obvious, like Dawson’s Creek is missing its iconic intro theme song!…
Esports. So Hot Right now: Advice from an Esports Attorney for Players and Teams.
Metro Detroit is uniquely poised to become the next epicenter of a growing industry: Professional competitive video gaming, or simply esports. An emerging and growing form of entertainment, the Michigan esports scene is rooted in its strong high school and collegiate programs. Professional esports actually had its first major metro Detroit debut August 2019, when…
FAQ: Can Playing Music on Twitch Get Me Sued?
Yes it can. As the popularity of internet streaming soars, content creators are encountering unique legal issues related to the media that they use. In June 2020, Twitch received thousands of so-called “takedown notices” under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”) related to multiple archived clips that contain copyrighted music. The Recording Industry Association of…
What Should You Know Before Buying Into a Business? 5 Key Considerations for the Informed Investor.
Buying into a business can be an exciting next step in your career and present uncapped opportunities for growth. It can be especially lucrative from a financial perspective, as well as the professional allure of working for yourself. For example, if you are a doctor working for a clinic, you may be given an opportunity…