Meta (formerly known as Facebook) remains an attractive forum for real-money gaming companies looking to advertise their skill-based gaming apps, esports, and fantasy sports offerings. However, Meta has a strict policy that requires an application and approval before any “online gaming” ads can run. The application form is convoluted and complex, and unless you have…
Category: gambling law
How to Advertise Real-Money Skill Games on Facebook in 2022: A Legal Opinion is Necessary.
In August 2022, Facebook updated its real-money gaming and gambling advertising application process. The updated form streamlined some of the required information and still requires a legal opinion from a law firm. Additionally, Facebook requires details about protective measures like geo-location and KYC and detailed geographic targeting information, including states or territories being targeted. Skill-based…
Are Real-Money Video Game Tournaments Legal?
Video games are quintessential contests of skill and online multiplayer modes are a must in most modern video games. And yes, playing skill video games for real money prizes is legal in the majority of U.S. states. Some of the most popular video games (Call of Duty, Fortnite, Magic: Arena, and others) frequently feature official…
The Three Types of Skill-Based Real-Money Games: Room for Innovation, Not Stagnation.
The skill-based real-money gaming market remains a popular and innovative business environment. The draw for players is that they can play games and win real money, but also improve their chances of winning through skill. Unlike gambling or casino-style games, skill-based gaming is not mathematically skewed in favor of “the house.” There are many types…
IRS Rulings on Daily Fantasy Sports Wagering: What Does This Mean for Skill-Based Gaming?
Real-money skill-based games are very popular across the world and the United States is no exception. Generally, real-money skill games allow players to compete against others in various games where the outcome is determined by the relative skill of the players (as opposed to chance). In simple terms, it is the same betting your friend…
A Guide to Getting Your Skill-Based Real-Money Game Approved in the United States.
Skill-based real-money gaming has been a popular form of entertainment across the world for hundreds of years. From Roman legionnaires wagering on an early version of backgammon to $5 eight-ball games at your local pool hall, skill games have always attracted players looking for a chance to win real money. With smart phones in every…
International Skill-Based Real-Money Gaming: Is It Legal?
Previously, I wrote about the legality of skill-based real-money gaming in the United States. But the U.S. is not the only country where skill-based games are popular – real money competition is huge all over the world. For example, in India, skill-based gaming is not only a popular source of entertainment, but is also becoming…
Mobile App Real-Money Skill Games: Google Play Says No Thanks.
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,…
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…
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…
Fun Facts About the History of the World’s Oldest Hobby: Gambling.
For a change of pace, here is some short and fun reading about everyone’s favorite hobby – gambling. Whenever I do a gambling-related legal project or research, it amazes me how much time and effort has been spent by lawmakers across the United States regulating and restricting gambling in all its forms. And, it is…