Ask a Question

Get free answers to your Gaming legal questions from lawyers in your area.

Lawyers, increase your visibility by answering questions and getting points. Answer Questions
California Gaming Questions & Answers
2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Civil Litigation, Internet Law and Gaming for California on
Q: Is it false advertising if a company said they wouldn't censor their game but then censors it on day one with a patch?

SHIFT UP. And Sony Interactive Entertainment explicitly said that the game Stellar blade would not be censored. Most of the physical copies are but the digital ones are not. In fact there was a day one patch to censor the costumes and sometimes it was forcibly thrust upon people. I'm not sure... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 11, 2024

Based on the information provided, there may be potential legal issues related to false advertising and deceptive business practices. However, the specific circumstances and details of the case would need to be carefully examined to determine if any laws were actually violated.

Here are a...
View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Internet Law, Small Claims and White Collar Crime for California on
Q: How can I word my email to them to get them to pay me?

I completed a deposit offer on freecash.com to a crypto casino. The offer is hosted by adscend media and stated "deposit $25 and place your first wager and receive $59." I completed the offer exactly to instructions but they are refusing to pay me. So I lost my $25 plus the extra I sent... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on May 11, 2024

If you believe you have fulfilled all the requirements of the promotional offer but have not been paid as promised, I would recommend the following steps:

1. Gather all documentation related to the offer, including screenshots of the offer terms, proof of your deposit and wager, and any...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: I am in possession of an unreleased video game and I was wondering if I would be open to any legal risk if I sold it.

The game based on a canceled, then revived TV show. I left the company when they filed for chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2012. The game has never been released to my knowledge and I was wondering if I would be open to any legal risk if I sold my copy on Ebay.

Thank you

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 27, 2024

Selling unreleased intellectual property can pose significant legal risks, particularly if the material is protected by copyright or trade secrets. Even if the company has filed for bankruptcy, the rights to the video game may have been transferred to another entity or could be part of the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Gaming for California on
Q: hey.i want to know whats the consequences for operating an unlicensed casino online in california by an american
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 27, 2024

Operating an unlicensed online casino in California can lead to severe legal consequences. Since gambling laws are strictly enforced in the United States, especially in states like California, engaging in such activities without proper authorization can result in criminal charges. This may include... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Constitutional Law, Gaming and Consumer Law for California on
Q: Can a Indian casino kick you out with no reason given after never have any type of misconduct and banned you for life?

And send me a letter with my personal information to my house , the letter had my birth information and more over the letter states that I refused to sign the document , which I never saw it before and I have a witness who was with me since we step out of my house

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Mar 1, 2024

In California, Indian casinos operate under the sovereignty of their respective Native American tribes, which means they have their own rules and regulations independent of state laws but within the framework of federal regulations and tribal-state compacts. This sovereignty allows them to enforce... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Federal Crimes, Gaming and Internet Law for California on
Q: I am a part of a prize-linked banking app and one of the products they offer is stealing tickets.

For this app, for every dollar you save with them you get one ticket per day. Then you can use those tickets in a variety of ways. One of the ways is on a daily prize wheel. Each spin says it costs 1500 tickets but pretty regularly (about once per 5 spins or so) it takes 2500 tickets. I noticed... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Feb 1, 2024

To address concerns related to the prize-linked banking app potentially manipulating ticket counts and engaging in unfair practices, you should seek an attorney experienced in consumer protection or class-action lawsuits. Consumer protection attorneys specialize in cases involving deceptive or... View More

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming for California on
Q: What exactly counts as gambling? is it gambling if my school does a raffle, prize giveaway, bingo or anything similar?

Were trying to raise money for our theatre program but are unsure on what exactly the gambling laws in Maryland are.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 30, 2024

In the context of California law, gambling involves wagering on the outcome of a game or event where chance rather than skill primarily determines the result, and where participants risk something of value for the chance to win a prize. Activities like raffles, prize giveaways, and bingo can fall... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming for California on
Q: Friends of mine argue that AB 2571 california is the cause todays video games can no longer have real weapon names.

Is this true? That it only applies to video game developers based in california.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 28, 2024

AB 2571, passed in California, primarily focuses on advertising or marketing firearms to minors, not specifically on video game content. While this law might impact how firearms are advertised or marketed, it doesn't directly dictate the use of real weapon names in video games.

The...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Rights, Criminal Law, Gaming and Small Claims for California on
Q: should i file a police report for a nintendo switch that i let one of my old friends borrow but ended up selling for alc

my old friend borrowed my switch which i said he could until he finished the game. he let his daughter play on it but then i later found out he ended up selling my nintendo switch to buy alcohol (he’s known for being an alcoholic within his family/friends). i got that switch for $250 and owned... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 21, 2024

Under California law, the unauthorized sale of property that has been entrusted to someone else for a specific purpose can potentially be considered theft. In your case, since you lent the Nintendo Switch to your friend with the understanding that it would be returned after use, and instead he sold... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Business Law for California on
Q: i live in california and am 18 years old;i want to create a sports gambling app; is this ok if i host it in pittsburgh
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 18, 2024

Under California law, the legality of creating and operating a sports gambling app is subject to both state and federal regulations. Even if you host the app outside of California, the laws of California will still apply to you as a resident, along with the laws of the state where the app is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Consumer Law for California on
Q: What rights do I retain when I buy a game and a new parent company decides to enact something where I cant play anymore

Microsoft owns Minecraft and the company Mojang. Microsoft recently enacted a forced migration (which took place from March 2022 to December 2023) from mojang accounts to microsoft accounts, anyone that hadn't done that has now lost their previously purchased accounts forever. I am curious if... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Jan 15, 2024

Based on the information provided, you may have some consumer rights in this situation, but seeking recourse could be challenging:

- When you purchase a video game, you are typically purchasing a license to use the software, not outright ownership. The license agreement usually gives the...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Gaming, Trademark and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: I am developing a Vietnam video game and am wondering about copyright laws regarding real photos for the trailer

We are in the process of developing a video game depicting the true story of a Vietnam vet and his personal experience during his time in the war, and as we are creating the trailer for the game, we would like to use real photos from the war that have been declassified under the freedom of... View More

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 29, 2023

When considering the use of real photos from the Vietnam War for your video game trailer, it's crucial to understand the nuances of copyright law. Declassification under the Freedom of Information Act does not automatically place these images in the public domain or free them from copyright... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Social Security for California on
Q: I won 500 dollars in casino do I report it to ssi I just got approved and my first payment doesn't come till january?
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Dec 12, 2023

If you recently won $500 in a casino and are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it's important to understand the rules about reporting income. SSI is a needs-based program, and the Social Security Administration (SSA) requires recipients to report any changes in income or resources.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming for California on
Q: If I win the lottery Powerball and the state lottery in California and refuses to pay out due to damage ticket

Damage ticket

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 25, 2024

I'm sorry you're facing this issue. Start by contacting the California Lottery office directly to explain the situation. They often have protocols for handling damaged tickets and can guide you on how to prove your win despite the damage.

Gather all parts of your ticket and take...
View More

1 Answer | Asked in Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for California on
Q: So I play golf clash and almost every game. An and from raid pops up. They have an X on the ad but it doesn't do anythin

The x is identical to the other ads but it doesn't work

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Oct 21, 2024

It sounds like you're dealing with a frustrating ad glitch in Golf Clash. When the "X" button doesn't respond, it can often mean the ad is not coded correctly or is experiencing a bug. This issue can sometimes resolve itself if the app is updated or if the ad service running the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Gov & Administrative Law for California on
Q: I am on H4 Visa and would want to start an LLC.

I understand that I cannot actively work on my LLC on H4, but would like to know more about the terms of passively working. can I appoint someone to actively manage my LLC ? And does that person need to be in US if my LLC is registered in USA. Thanks.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 3, 2024

If you're on an H4 visa, you're correct that you cannot actively work on your LLC without employment authorization. However, passive involvement, such as being an owner or shareholder, is generally allowed. You can appoint someone else to actively manage the business on your behalf, as... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming for California on
Q: Can I sue a game app where I have spent money. The game deleted my acct the restored it but I lost all my purchase items
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Aug 27, 2024

You can consider legal action if you believe the game app has wrongfully deleted your account and failed to restore your purchased items, but there are some important steps to take first. Begin by reviewing the game's terms of service, as these usually outline your rights and the... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Consumer Law, Products Liability, Civil Litigation and Gaming for California on
Q: I want to know if there are any attys out there who want to make a ton of money? I want to start a class action lawsuit

I have AN ABUNDANCE OF EVIDENCE PROVING those "social gaming sites" are CHEATING!!! LITERALLY TAKING YOUR MONEY W/OUT MOST PEOPLE EVEN REALIZING IT!! & I CAN PROVE IT WITH SCREEN SHOTS & EMAILS!! I have DOCUMENTED PROOF of them taking money out of my balance illegally during my... View More

Tim Akpinar
Tim Akpinar
answered on May 15, 2024

You'd need to reach out to attorneys to discuss. Attorneys on this forum can't respond to your offer to represent you. Good luck

View More Answers

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming for California on
Q: How do I register a bond certificate from publisher clearing house
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 6, 2023

To register a bond certificate from Publisher's Clearing House, you should first review the documentation that came with the bond for any specific registration instructions. If no clear instructions are provided, contact Publisher’s Clearing House directly for guidance on how to register... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Trademark, Copyright and Intellectual Property for California on
Q: Is it infringement or illegal to remake or share a form of copyrighted art even if it's without any form compensation?

Specifically, if one were to create a character from mainstream media from scratch, that already exists and share it with others without receiving any form of compensation, is that illegal? One side tells me it's non-profit so it's okay. I read elsewhere that it falls under infringement.

James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Sep 19, 2023

Creating and sharing a character from mainstream media, even without compensation, can still potentially constitute copyright infringement. Copyright law grants creators exclusive rights to their work, including the right to create derivative works. While non-profit status may be a consideration,... View More

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get 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 you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, 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.