Gambling Crimes Lawyers
Legal and Illegal Gambling in New York
Gambling is often seen as an easy way to make money. In most cases, it’s true that you can make a good bit of extra cash while gambling, but it has to be done legally. Some of the legal ways to gamble include lottery tickets, scratch-off tickets, and going to a casino to participate in games that are legally in place.
In past decades, gambling was something that was unheard of except in larger cities, like Las Vegas. You would hear about how people would go into a casino and bet money on a card game and win a substantial amount of money. Today, there is gambling everywhere from horse races to betting on a sporting event. Most gambling situations are all in fun, but when you begin to get into larger amounts of money, dealing with businesses, or taking the life of someone because that person can’t pay off a gambling debt, then it becomes a situation that needs the assistance of an attorney as it’s illegal.
What is Gambling?
Gambling involves betting money, services, or products on a certain outcome. It is based partially on chance with a little bit of luck thrown in as well. If the outcome is as you think that it might be, then you would win the money involved or any of the other items that were used for betting.
There are laws against gambling for each state. Some states don’t have as many as others, so it’s important to know how to gamble safely and within the rules. In New York, there are several ways to gamble legally so that you can have fun while making extra money, but if you are caught conducting illegal business, then you might want to enlist the help of an attorney as the punishment is often severe. You will usually have to pay back the amount that was won and possibly spend time in jail. However, an attorney can try to get the sentence reduced so that you might be able to serve time on probation instead of being in jail.
Legal Forms of Gambling in New York
- Tribal and Commercial Casinos: There are many Tribal casinos in New York and in other states across the country that offer legal gambling. There are also numerous commercial casinos in the state as well that offer everything from card games to slot machines.
- Sports Betting: Sports betting is allowed in most states. There are simulcast events as well as remote events that you can enjoy when it comes to sports betting. Most sports betting scenarios involve going to a track to bet on a horse that is running or a car. You put money on a certain number or name, and you are given the odds of that pick winning. If the pick wins, then you get the money.
- Bingo Games: Bingo games are another legal way of gambling. These fall under the Charity Gaming carve out.
- Poker Games at Casinos: Poker games at casinos can be played, and you can even play poker outside of a casino. However, if you begin playing for money, then that’s where it can come into illegal territory.
Illegal Forms of Gambling in New York
- Internet Gambling: Internet gambling is seen as illegal in New York and in many other states as it can’t be regulated.
- Online Poker: Online poker is considered illegal, especially if you are using money to play. There are a few games online that allow you to play poker, but they are all in fun and should never involve submitting any kind of payment.
If you have been charged with illegal gambling, you need to consult with an attorney as soon as possible. Make sure you have all of the documents associated with the gambling, especially if it was with a business, so that the attorney can see if you intentionally gambled or if you didn’t know anything about the regulations.
At Spodek Law Group, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the complex laws surrounding gambling in New York. If you are facing charges related to illegal gambling, contact us today for a consultation. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case