Would I need anything special to create a site to place bets on sports? It's a bit more intricate but thats what it boils down to. Would it be classified as gambling (probably would)... especially since it's played using real money. As well (its about the NBA), would there be any harm/issues that I'd face if I used NBA player names/teams/bios on my site? (with appropriate linkbacks).. or would that be something I'd have to email them about. Thanks for any help
Gambling over the internet is illegal in the United States. See Wire Wager Act 1961. As for the second question, any content/images created by the NBA would be subject to copyright law. Note that there are ways of using copyrighted material if it classifies as 'fair use'.
This is not a debate I would like to get into BUT though technically true there is a lot of grey area here. The Wire Act says you can not place a bet over the phone lines, so if you had a number to call to place bets...your illegal. You can place horse racing bets online and buy lottery tickets online both of which is gambling. Now with that being said, if you are not sure and really want to know, ask a lawyer.
Actually it covers wire communication. "Whoever being engaged in the business of betting or wagering knowingly uses a wire communication facility for the transmission in interstate or foreign commerce of bets or wagers or information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers on any sporting event or contest, or for the transmission of a wire communication which entitles the recipient to receive money or credit as a result of bets or wagers, or for information assisting in the placing of bets or wagers, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than two years, or both. " See (www)4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00001084----000-.html
See also "The Unlawful Internet Gambling Act" http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bill.xpd?tab=summary&bill=h109-4411
270 Days for the banking industry to come up with a regulation...Google that and see what they came up with Besides. hopefully the 26 million online gambling US citizens have been heard and the appeal is on its way. I wonder if the guys that wrote th UIGA are still in office? Anyway I'm safe, I gamble via cell phone - No wires
He's talking about running a gambling operation and not placing bets online. If you're in the USA, you can't participate in an online gambling operation. And if you want to set up one in the real world, you need the proper licenses.
Since the whole arena is a minefield, the OP doesn't actually give enough information to afford a competent response. There are Laws in the US which he would be affected by, there are also laws in the UK which he would be affected by. He may well have other jurisdictions to worry about too. Best advice, see an attorney/solicitor in your own jurisdiction or do a google for all the terms that you know better than anyone on the forums - like where you are for instance!
The gist of the site is basically, (how I thought about it), upload a set amount of money (with a restriction per month), enter in what you think the outcome(s) will be (bet on multiple stats etc), if you're right, obviously you win, if not you dont. Money can be withdrawn at any time etc.. as close to betting as you can get (from what I can tell). I figured it'd be slightly risky so thought asking would be better, especially with the online gambling law changes. The things about being in the USA, I dont know what law it'd fall under. I live in Australia, but the site would more than likely be hosted in the US (or possible the UK or somewhere else). An afterthought as well, would it still be illegal (on the assumption the NBA stats/players etc was legal to use) to play with fake money/points etc? The site could still be run with other monetization methods. It's a question of whether online gambling only applies to real money or not. Thanks for the input so far
Gambling in UK is 100% legal..there are many betting centers in london... Williamhill --> No.1 betting center They have website too
You should just go for it all my freind by the ime they catch you you will be worth 100 mill plus and can take a legal team of your own on