Gambling question

[guraqte]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Maryland

First part:
I wanted to have an office football pool this year. But one that we don't put money into. Is that considered gambling if the participants are not placing money into a pool?

Second part:
If my company was willing to put up a prize for the pool (participants still not placing money into pool) would that be considered gambling.

We are a not-for-profit company and I don't want to jeopardize that in any way. But the football pool would be good for morale since so many love football and we are such a small company (18 people).

 

[xylene]

We are a not-for-profit company and I don't want to jeopardize that in any way. But the football pool would be good for morale since so many love football and we are such a small company (18 people).

Have a pizza party instead.

 

[guraqte]

That would only last a couple hours. Football season lasts September through February. Pizza parties don't really tend to boost morale for us either.

 

[quincy]

Gambling, by definition, involves the wagering of money or something else of value on an event whose outcome is not known in advance, with the purpose of winning additional money or something else of value. If there is no wagering of money or something else of value, then it is not gambling.

To review Maryland laws on gambling, check out Maryland Code sections 12-101 through 12-303, and the local provisions on gambling, sections 13-201 through 13-205.

 

[Chris2289]

As its so informal i doubt you would be breaking anything serious

 

[Boshaft]

As its so informal i doubt you would be breaking anything serious

At the same time, I wouldn't be printing the forms on company letterhead. Commercial interests promoting gambling are different from individuals setting up a pool, though both are likely actionable.