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0 Answers | Asked in Gaming, Banking and Internet Law for California on
Q: CashApp account locked despite verification and no response; seeking resolution.

I use CashApp to gamble and receive money through Bitcoin. My account was locked three weeks ago, despite having completed the verification process as requested. CashApp created a case number but has not responded to my inquiries or provided any updates. I’m concerned about the delay and its... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Consumer Law for Arizona on
Q: Online casino switched winnings from real money to gold coins without warning.

I won $474 at an online casino in February. However, on April 1st, the casino abruptly switched my winnings to gold coins instead of actual money coins. Despite their initial claim that my winnings were being processed, I never received the money. When I tried to contact their customer support, it... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

That situation sounds incredibly frustrating, especially after being told your winnings were being processed. If the casino confirmed your $474 payout and later switched it to virtual "gold coins" without warning, that could be seen as deceptive or fraudulent behavior. Casinos—online or... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Rights and Gaming for Oklahoma on
Q: is a cease and desist over discord "legally binding?"

i am asking because i created a google document (2-parted) exposing a large internet figure "Santino" Alias:22freshfrenchfries for defending known pedophiles and covering the evidence up.

they threw a cease-and-desist at me and my team as a last-ditch effort in shutting us up, we... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 7, 2025

A cease and desist letter sent over Discord is not automatically legally binding, but it can be a formal request for you to stop specific actions. It is essentially a warning, often used before taking legal action, such as filing a lawsuit. If you disregard it, the person sending it could decide to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Consumer Law for Colorado on
Q: I suspect a casino uses pop-ups to disrupt gameplay, blocked my account after I accused them, and refunded my purchases. What can I do?

I have a concern regarding my experience with an online casino, Pulsz Bingo, where I suspect there may be wrongdoing. I noticed that pop-ups frequently appear during critical gameplay moments, such as when my balance drops below a certain amount. These pop-ups prevent me from stopping the reels... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 11, 2025

It’s understandable to feel frustrated and suspicious, especially when the pop-ups interfered with your gameplay and the casino blocked you right after you raised concerns. The refund and account closure may have been their way of avoiding further disputes, but it also leaves you without clarity... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law and Gaming for New Mexico on
Q: Can video from January be used for possession charge in NM?

My friend was recently arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, which was allegedly meth, after being seen on video dropping something in a casino back in January. A warrant for his arrest was not issued until three months later. He has no prior offenses related to controlled... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

Yes, the video from January can potentially be used as evidence in your friend's possession charge, as it shows an incident that may be linked to the alleged crime. Even though the arrest warrant was issued months later, the video can serve as key evidence that helps establish the timeline of... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Federal Crimes, Criminal Law and Gaming for Texas on
Q: How can I help my husband in jail on federal hold for substance charge?

My husband is currently in the Wichita Falls County Jail on a federal hold from Oklahoma related to possession of a controlled substance charge that occurred at a casino. He also has a related charge in Wichita Falls, Texas. What can I do to help get him released?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

To help your husband, the first step is to contact an attorney who is experienced with federal charges and the specific laws in Oklahoma and Texas. They can help you understand the legal process and options for securing his release. Since he is on federal hold, it’s likely that the charges will... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Civil Rights and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Legal options for addressing withheld jackpot and forced property exit at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA.

I recently experienced an incident at Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, CA, where I hit my first jackpot in over 13 years of visiting. Instead of receiving my winnings, I was approached by three officers who did not identify themselves and forced me off the property without explanation from casino... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 27, 2025

You have legitimate grounds for concern regarding how the casino handled your jackpot win and removal from the property. California law requires casinos to follow strict protocols for jackpot payouts, and security personnel should properly identify themselves before escorting patrons from the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Native American Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: How can I challenge a tribal casino ban and retrieve my jackpot winnings in California?

I won a jackpot at a tribal casino, but before receiving my payout, three officers approached me, asked for my name, and then kicked me out without explanation or my winnings. When I asked for the reason for the ban and a copy of it, the casino refused to provide any information. I also requested... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 26, 2025

Tribal casinos operate under sovereign immunity and federal laws, making them different from commercial casinos in California. This sovereignty gives them significant authority over their operations, including who they allow on their property and how they handle disputes. However, you still have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Criminal Law for Nevada on
Q: Will a casino trespass warning appear on my record?

I was involved in a fight at a casino and was trespassed from the property, with my ID and picture taken. I was informed that I would be arrested if I returned, but no written documentation was given, and no arrests or charges were filed. I have no past incidents at the casino. Will this trespass... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

Based on how trespass warnings typically work in casino settings, this warning is unlikely to appear on what is commonly understood as your "permanent record" or criminal background. Casino trespass notices are generally maintained in private security databases kept by the casino itself... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Business Formation, Business Law and Gaming for Michigan on
Q: How to attract investors for a gaming hotel business with limited funds?

I'm planning to start a gaming hotel business but I'm facing financial challenges as most of my savings were used for my mother's funeral. I'm trying to plan it alone and need guidance on how to approach investors, as I'm seeking around $30,000 to $40,000. What should I... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 13, 2025

To attract investors for your gaming hotel business, focus on presenting a clear and compelling vision. Start with a solid business plan outlining the concept, target market, location, and the unique value your hotel will offer compared to competitors. Include market research that demonstrates... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Tax Law for Pennsylvania on
Q: Do I need to file taxes for online gambling winnings as an F-1 student in PA?

I'm an F-1 student currently residing in Pennsylvania. In 2024, my gross winnings from online gambling apps playing blackjack, roulette, slots, etc., totaled around $17,000, with wagers around $16,000, resulting in a net income of less than $1,000. The apps did not generate a tax document for... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 12, 2025

As an F-1 student in Pennsylvania, you are still subject to U.S. tax laws on your income, including winnings from online gambling. Even though the gambling apps did not issue a tax document, you are still required to report the winnings on your tax return. Since your net income from gambling is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Consumer Law and Civil Litigation for California on
Q: Can I get a refund for winnings in a California casino app scam?

I played a casino app believing it was legal and won small amounts without issue. However, when I won $1000, the California-based owner of the app said I was only playing for virtual coins and threatened me if I reported him. I have CashApp history of payments related to this app. Is it possible to... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Mar 12, 2025

You may have grounds to seek a refund if you can prove you were misled or defrauded by the app owner. California law takes fraudulent activities seriously, especially when there is evidence like your CashApp payment history showing financial transactions. Collect all messages, transaction receipts,... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Civil Litigation for Missouri on
Q: How to file a civil action under RSMo 434.030 for gambling losses?

I recently lost money and property through gambling activities and am considering filing a civil action under RSMo 434.030 to recover my losses. How do I go about initiating and effectuating this civil action? I've identified the party involved, know the specific amount, and have documented... View More

Ronald J. Eisenberg
Ronald J. Eisenberg
answered on Mar 9, 2025

I had to look up that statute because it was unfamiliar to me. It’s an old one, but my quick research revealed barely any cases filed under it. Basically, you’d draft a petition like for most causes of action: identify the parties; shows jurisdiction and venue are proper; state facts... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Personal Injury for Wisconsin on
Q: Can I file a complaint and seek compensation for being mistreated at a casino?

I was at a casino and took a break to smoke in their designated area. A security officer asked me to move to a more visible spot due to camera coverage issues, and I felt embarrassed in front of others. Since then, I've had stress-related issues. When I spoke to the head of security to get... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Mar 24, 2025

A Wisconsin attorney could advise best, but your question remains open for a month. I'm sorry for your stressful experience. It sounds like something you might want to just forget about and move on. Based on your account, I agree that you should have been treated better. However, if you... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Identity Theft and Gaming for California on
Q: Received a 1099 from ARB Gaming without prior dealings. What to do?

I received a 1099 form from ARB Gaming, but I have never dealt with this company. I haven't contacted ARB Gaming about this issue yet, but I am trying to check for any unauthorized activity involving my personal information. What should I do next, and is there a class action lawsuit regarding... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 28, 2025

Receiving a 1099 from a company you've never done business with is definitely concerning and could indicate identity theft. Your first step should be to contact ARB Gaming directly using the information on the 1099 form to dispute the document and ask for details about the reported income. You... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Civil Litigation and Gaming for Michigan on
Q: Legal question about casino incident and arrest legality in Michigan.

I was at a casino where I was told by a worker I would need to leave for 24 hours if I swore again after I made a comment about their games. I didn't swear again, but called the worker a "mean little troll." She claimed I used a bad word with "troll" and called the police.... View More

Brent T. Geers
Brent T. Geers
answered on Feb 27, 2025

Here's the thing everyone needs to understand: this isn't a TV show or movie; cops don't have to Mirandize you or even really explain anything to you. On the street (or in this case, in the casino) is not the time to plead your case.

You're probably right that there...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Internet Law for Connecticut on
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... View More

Alan Harrison
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answered on Feb 26, 2025

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... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Immigration Law for Utah on
Q: Can J-1 visa holders in Utah participate in sports betting?

I am a J-1 intern visa participant currently staying in Utah. I am seeking advice on whether it is legally allowed for me to partake in sports betting, given that my sponsor stated that a participant of the visa is not allowed to engage in any other activity for money.

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 21, 2025

While I understand your interest in sports betting, engaging in gambling activities while on a J-1 visa could potentially violate your visa conditions and Utah state laws. Your sponsor's statement about avoiding activities for money is crucial guidance that you should take seriously.... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law and Gaming for California on
Q: What kind of lawyer would I need to sue California state lottery for I believe they are scamming residents

They .print odds on the back of the scratcher that are totally misleading

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on Feb 21, 2025

There are attorneys who practice in sweepstakes law, which is a narrow area. There isn't a section for that here. You've already identified a related practice area in the category you chose ("Gaming"). Attorneys in these areas may have insights into compliance issues for lottery... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts, Gaming and Uncategorized for California on
Q: Is changing a winner selection date on a sweepstakes without informing applicants illegal in the states of CA and UT?

There was a sweepstakes that in the terms and conditions accidentally put the wrong date to select a winner. This date has now officially changed without any notice to anyone who applied for the sweepstakes. Is this illegal? How to proceed?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Feb 8, 2025

In both California and Utah, changing sweepstakes terms without proper notification could potentially violate consumer protection laws and regulations governing promotional contests. The failure to inform participants about modified terms, including winner selection dates, might be seen as a... View More

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