Legal Question in Constitutional Law in Illinois

Re: Online gambling

I do not know the answer to your question because I am not familiar with Illinois gaming law.

However, I can tell you that according to the Black's Law Dictionary definition of "gambling," it is only gambling when you actually place a bet. Therefore, if it is truly a free-to-enter tournament, such that you have not actually placed a bet and therefore have nothing to lose, then you are not "gambling" according to Black's Law Dictionary.

That dictionary definition, however, means nothing if the Illinois gaming laws define it diferently. So, you should still discuss this question with an attorney familiar with those laws. (I'd be happy to research the Illinois gaming laws for you to determine your answer, but I'd have to charge you an hourly rate.)

Re: Online gambling

I have some experience with online gaming ventures. Is your question that you want to hold a tournament ONLINE and then pay money to the winner? What, if anything, must players pay to enter, if at all?

Please feel free to contact me directly for a more comprehensive discussion.

[email protected]

Thanks, Adam