Is running a pool legal?, I want to do this and I am not keeping any of this money. I am wanting to allow users to choose a date they expect something to happen and if they pick the right date they win the money. If the event doesn't happen the money is given to charity. I am just worried if I do this I could end up in legal troubles.
Well surely a pool is the same as any other form of gambling and therefore illegal in most of the US. This link might help (presuming the location in your profile is correct): http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Laws/Missouri/
Actually, if you conduct the pool as a non-profit it can be legal. See local raffle laws. You would need to register as a non-profit first of course and all the money would need to be distributed. Additionally, you would need to make your financials public, since you are a non-profit. For an example, look at local churches, especially Catholic churches. They will typically do something like this: Prizes are $1000 in real value, therefore, we will sell 1,000 tickets at $1 each. Total ticket cost = total real value of prizes. How does the church make out? The prizes are usually donated. There is more to it, but that is the skinny. Either way, your first step needs to be calling a good lawyer.