Q: Is it legal to operate an online skill game with prizes in CT?
I am planning to create an online game in Connecticut that is open to participants aged 18 and older from any state. The game awards virtual currency as prizes to winners, and it is a game of skill. Participants will be charged a fee for services. There are no specific terms or conditions other than prohibiting cheating, and no in-game purchases. Advertisements will be posted online. Is it legal to operate such a game under these circumstances in Connecticut?
Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
- Connecticut
- (203) 212-9996
- View Profile
- Answered
A: You propose an interesting and potentially lucrative enterprise. The distinction between "skill" or "chance" will be significant to state regulators. Games of chance require special licensing. Games of skill do not. To the extent that your game of skill might incorporate a random element (e.g., a pong-type game where the ball does not always bounce exactly true), it could be tricky to assess whether it falls under state regulation.
1 user found this answer helpful
Justia Ask A Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get free answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask A Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between Justia and you, or between any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions and you, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask A Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
