Is betting on sports games online and winning prizes illegal?
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Is betting on sports games online and winning prizes illegal?
I’m not betting money to receive anything. Also, I’m only betting the outcome of a score.
Asked on September 5, 2012 under Criminal Law, Texas
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
In 46 of 50 states, including Texas, betting on sports (including online betting) is illegal under federal law. This law applies to those who take and process the bets, not the individual bettor, so if you are betting, not running the book, you should be fine. Note that a a bet is the wagering of anything of value for a chance to receive something of value--it doesn't have to be money.
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