Ramifications of placing well in WSOP from a "gamble-free" state

[MrX]

Hypothetical: You live in a state where online gambling is illegal, but you continue to play and win modest amounts and even claim them on your federal and state taxes.

You win your spot to the WSOP online (this part is key, that you won it online) and then you place well enough for a one million plus payday with some serious TV time including extensively mentioning the "gamble-free" state you live in.

What would be the ramifications of this. You won your spot in the WSOP "illegally" since you were playing in your home state for the qualifier, could any of the winnings be confiscated (besides appropriate taxes)?

Also, what do you think would happen if you held a high profile, regulated, proffessional position such as a doctor or lawyer; do you think your credentials would be in jeopardy after it became obvious to everyone that you were breaking the law by gambling online.

MrX

[Equal]

That's a lot of hypotheticals.

[BettyBoopAA]

isn't online gambling illegal in every state?

[Cubswin]

Its only expressly illegal in six states. If you beg me enough i might tell you which ones they are.

cubs

[MrX]

[ QUOTE ]
Its only expressly illegal in six states. If you beg me enough i might tell you which ones they are.

cubs

[/ QUOTE ]

Okay, pretty please what are the 6 states?

I do not think it is too far fetched to see an internet qualifier from New York (where I believe internet gambling is illegal) make it to the final table of the WSOP or a WPT event and get decent publicity from it, just curious what would happen, and has this happened already.

[Bytestream]

Nah, because you won it online "while you were vacationing" in a gambling allowed state.

Seriously though, have you checked out this page

There are only about 5 states right now that expressly prohibit internet gambling. Nevada is one of them, but I think it would be a media field day if they tried to prosecute one of thier own for gambling online, Same for Louisisana and Illinois states that both have legalized gambling casinos as well.

That leaves the Cheese Head (wisconsin) and Oregon citizens in the darkest of grey zones.

As far as the penalty though, its most likely a misdemeanor
for a first offence so most proffesionally licensed people aren't at risk for losing thier careers.

[Cubswin]

The six states are: IL, LA, NV, OR, SD and WI. Dont take this to mean that internet gambling is legal in all other states.... the laws in these 6 states all specifically mention internet gambling where in the other 44 states there is no mention of it.

I wouldnt be all that worried about this issue... even if it became an issue you can always just say you played the sat from a jurisdiction where it was legal.

cubs

[Bytestream]

In SD I believe Internet gambling is only expressly prohibited if you are the bookie, house etc...

[RamGad]

I'm not sure if it's "Expressly" prohibited in Wa state, but I know there is a state law against gambling online. Can any legalease-savvy people explain the difference to me. Thanks.

[Cubswin]

Read this essay from I Nelson Rose... one of the experts on gambling law (and a card player contributor).

cubs