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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
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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

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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...
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1 Answer | Asked in Gaming, Internet Law and Juvenile Law for Maryland on
Q: Scamming video game items

Is it illegal for someone to pretend they have money and then get in contact with a seller for video game items but when the seller gives the items first instead of making the buyer or the scammer pay first the scammer does not pay the seller the money block them and never talks to them again.... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

The situation you describe, where someone pretends to have money to buy video game items and then fails to pay after receiving the items, could be considered a form of fraud or deceit. Even though the parties involved are minors and there was no formal contract, misrepresenting one's intention... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming, Intellectual Property, Internet Law and Copyright for Texas on
Q: Can I create content using a known superhero's cowl and just the cowl and escape copyright infringement and the such?

Long story short I want to create youtube videos of RANDOM and just RANDOM content while using ex: Flash cowl. Just the top part of the mask not even the one that covers the whole face. I will use a different name, and although use some mannerisms, it will be obvious it is pure satire/parody. I got... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Using elements of a copyrighted superhero character, such as the Flash's cowl, in your content can be legally risky, even if you're only using part of the costume and intend it as satire or parody. Copyright law protects original works of authorship, including characters and their... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Internet Law for Virginia on
Q: Is it legal to manage small bets between individuals online using a website in VA? Would this be consider gambling?

Bets would be just between the individuals, like "I bet you $20 if you beat me in this game" And I would be the "middle man" holding the $20

and giving it to the winner later.

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answered on Jan 11, 2024

Managing small bets between individuals online in Virginia, or in any state, can indeed be considered gambling. The key factor in defining gambling is the element of chance or skill in determining the outcome, along with a wager or bet. Even if the bets are between individuals and you're... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and Internet Law for Virginia on
Q: Is it legal to manage small bets between individuals online using a website in VA? Would this be consider gambling?

Bets would be just between the individuals, like "I bet you $20 if you beat me in this game" And I would be the "middle man" holding the $20

and giving it to the winner later.

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answered on Jan 10, 2024

In Virginia, as in many jurisdictions, the legality of managing small bets between individuals online depends on the specific circumstances and the nature of the bets. Generally, if the bets are private and do not involve a broader public or commercial gambling operation, they may fall under social... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Gaming and Tax Law for Tennessee on
Q: How are gambling winnings taxed? Specifically sports betting. Is it a cumulative total or is each bet handled seaparatel

I use about 6 different sportsbooks and win quite frequently. Are winnings throughout the year totaled up and taxed totally? Or does each bet have to be over a certain amount? Also, are you able to deduct losses from taxable winnings?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Jan 4, 2024

In Tennessee, as in other states, gambling winnings are generally considered taxable income. This includes winnings from sports betting. The IRS requires all gambling winnings to be reported on your tax return.

The taxation of your winnings depends on the total amount you win over the year,...
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1 Answer | Asked in Business Law, Entertainment / Sports, Gaming and International Law on
Q: I want to sue the company EGoGames: the company banned me wrong, not process my withdraw, …

reasons the company used to not process the payment(28350$) was wrong .

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Dec 30, 2023

To pursue legal action against EGoGames for banning you and not processing your withdrawal of $28,350, first review the company's terms of service and user agreement. These documents often contain clauses related to dispute resolution, which can include arbitration or specific legal... 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

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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 for Nevada on
Q: How do I press charges on a casino that took over $500 from me and said it was counterfeit. Escorted me out.

I was escorted out of the casino and told I could not come back. I know the money was good. I have never had any kind of evolvement with counterfeit.

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answered on Dec 12, 2023

If a casino confiscated your money, alleging it was counterfeit, take careful steps to address the situation. First, review your financial records to confirm the source and authenticity of the money. Collect witness statements from anyone who observed the incident and can vouch for the legitimacy... 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?
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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, Copyright, Intellectual Property and Trademark for Utah on
Q: Can I use "K9" for a Dog Kennel, Gaming Community, or any Publicly Official Name and risk legal trouble?

I am considering a few ideas and want to relate them to my dog. I have a dream of owning and running a Dog Kennel and Breed Dogs Officially and I have a Gaming Community that is looking for an Official Name. I would like to relate it with K9. I know K9 is often referring to Federal Working Dogs and... View More

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answered on Dec 4, 2023

Using "K9" in the name of your dog kennel or gaming community is generally permissible, as "K9" is a common term used to refer to dogs, particularly in the context of police or military dogs. The term itself is not typically subject to copyright because it is considered a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Gaming, Intellectual Property and Trademark on
Q: Is the IP for CUSTOM ROBO officially cancelled by nintendo? im a game developer looking at this ip

i want to know if the trademark was canceled officially as I want to make a game similar to if. But don't want to get sued by Nintendo

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answered on Nov 27, 2023

As a game developer interested in creating a game similar to "CUSTOM ROBO," you should proceed with caution. It's advisable to consult with a legal expert in IP law to ensure that your game does not infringe upon any remaining rights held by Nintendo. Even if the trademark is... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Immigration Law and Gaming for New York on
Q: Can using Draftkings affect my citizenship application? Legal in my state

I am not sure participating in Draftkings is legal in federal law or not.

I am aware that as a green card holder, purchasing or consuming marijuana can be the reason for denial of my application, even though it is legal in my state. This is due to it’s federal illegality.

The... View More

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answered on Nov 23, 2023

Participating in DraftKings, or similar online fantasy sports platforms, can raise concerns when applying for U.S. citizenship, particularly if there's ambiguity about its legality under federal law. Although fantasy sports are legal in many states, federal law can view certain types of online... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Copyright, Gaming and Intellectual Property for New York on
Q: So If a company doesn't renew a license deal for a game is it still illegal to pirate the game?

In 2017 Activision didn't renew a licensing deal they had with Marvel so they had to take down all of their Marvel games they had published. So I wanted to know if it would still be illegal to download any of those games through a website even though there is no possible way to get those games... View More

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answered on Nov 18, 2023

Whether a company has renewed a licensing deal or not, it is still illegal to pirate a game. The expiration of a licensing deal, such as the one between Activision and Marvel, affects the company's ability to sell or distribute the game, but it does not affect the copyright status of the game.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Consumer Law and Gaming for New York on
Q: The Skullgirls team has taken a digital product that many people purchased and altered it in very significant ways.

The Skullgirls team has taken a digital product that many people purchased and altered it in very significant ways. They've cut out entire pages from the art book, removed and re-announced voice lines, and drawn over concept art to make it less offensive. The current Skullgirls team, while... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 17, 2023

The situation you're describing with the Skullgirls digital product raises complex issues in digital content and consumer rights. In the digital realm, the rights and expectations can be significantly different from those associated with physical products. The End User License Agreement (EULA)... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Gaming for California on
Q: How do I register a bond certificate from publisher clearing house
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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 Entertainment / Sports and Gaming for Georgia on
Q: is i rage quiting if my friend quits a game because he was mad and threw his rubiks cube at a wall and left to go clean

he continued to not play the game for a month

typo at the begining i was suposed to be it

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answered on Oct 19, 2023

If your friend quit a game out of frustration, threw his Rubik's cube at a wall, and left to clean, it could be considered a form of rage quitting, especially if it was driven by intense emotions. His decision to not play the game for a month afterward may also indicate that he needed a break... View More

2 Answers | Asked in International Law and Gaming on
Q: Offering our online-based game in Russia - are there sanction implications?

We (a US-based entity) have an online-based game and were approached by an entity in Russia that wants to license the game from us to expand that game into their territory. Are there current sanctions that would prevent us from offering our game to people in Russia?

Please note that the... View More

Stanislav Kshevitskii
Stanislav Kshevitskii
answered on Sep 26, 2023

It is advisable to divide your question into 2 parts. The first part concerns compliance with US legislation regarding sanctions against Russian legal entities and individuals. The second part of the question is related to the retaliatory sanctions of the Russian authorities against American... View More

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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.

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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

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