The uncertainty of emerging gaming markets presents both opportunities and challenges. Pick’em style fantasy sports, while appealing to a younger audience, face regulatory crackdowns in several states. Skill-based real-money gaming and peer-to-peer social wagering are more accepted. As legalized gambling expands, thorough legal counsel is crucial for navigating the evolving regulatory landscape.
Category: gaming law
Are Skill-Based Real-Money Games Legal in the United States?
The real-money skill gaming sector is expanding in 2024, with popular games like skill-based solitaire, bingo, and 21 Blitz. However, legal and regulatory challenges exist in the U.S., including platform guidelines, state laws, and social media advertising. Each state has its own gambling regulations, affecting the distribution and operation of real-money skill games. Payment platforms like PayPal and Venmo also raise compliance issues.
Are Cryptocurrency Games of Skill Legal in the United States?
Real-money games of skill are unregulated and thus legal in the majority of the United States. While there are specific best practices for launching your project, games where skill is the predominant or material factor in deciding the winner are generally not considered prohibited gambling. With the rebound of cryptocurrency markets in 2024 and a…
How to Advertise Real-Money Gaming on Meta in 2023: A Legal Opinion is Still Required.
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…
Are Play-to-Earn Video Games Legal in the United States?
Are play-to-earn games legal? The answer depends on the specifics of the game. For many gaming developers, play-to-earn is a lucrative business model in 2023 and beyond. These games let players compete against other players (PvP) or against the the game itself (PvE) to earn rewards that have real-world value. For example, players may pay…
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…
Do I need a Metaverse Trademark?
Luxury goods company Gucci recently bought a plot of LAND in the Sandbox Game, an Ethereum-based play-to-earn game. This LAND is a virtual real estate plot (in the form of an NFT or non-fungible token) where Gucci plans to sell in-game clothing and collectibles. As futuristic as this seems, Gucci is not the only major…
Ask the Crypto Tax Lawyer: Are Play-to-Earn Games Taxable?
Disclaimer: This article is not investment advice, tax advice, or legal advice. It is for informational and promotional purposes only. Do not take any action (including investments) until you have consulted with a professional about your specific situation. At the end of 2021, Ubisoft announced its plans to add NFTs (Non-fungible Tokens) into Ghost Recon:…
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…