Category Archives: Gambling

Bad News for German Poker Players

Posted on November 2, 2012 by Russ

Is poker a game of skill or chance? Personally, I believe it is a skill game where there is an element of chance. For German poker players, this is more than an interesting debate; it’s a vital question that impacts … Continue reading →

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The Real Winner of the 2012 World Series of Poker

Posted on October 31, 2012 by Russ

Nine individuals came to Las Vegas early this week to compete for the championship at the World Series of Poker (WSOP). Who would be the lucky winner? And who really got to keep the money? This year’s World Series of … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | 4 Comments

Bad States for Gamblers

Posted on October 22, 2012 by Russ

It’s been a while since I’ve listed out the bad states for gamblers. Here’s an updated list. Make sure you read the notes because while all of these states have tax systems that are problematic for gamblers, some impact amateurs … Continue reading →

Posted in Connecticut, Gambling, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Washington State, West Virginia, Wisconsin | 1 Comment

Thoughts on the Reid/Kyl Online Poker Bill

Posted on October 21, 2012 by Russ

On Friday, copies of the purported Internet Gambling Prohibition, Poker Consumer Protections, and Strengthening UIGEA Act of 2012 appeared. The draft of the legislation is just that: a draft. The actual legislation that might pass Congress in the lame duck … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Does the New Unearned Income Medicare Contribution Tax Impact Amateur Gamblers?

Posted on September 23, 2012 by Russ

Over two years ago the Patient Protection Act–aka Obamacare–passed Congress. At the time, no one knew what was in the law. Famously, then Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said that, “We have to pass the law to know … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, IRS | Tagged | 1 Comment

Partouche Poker Tour Will Honor Guarantee

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Russ

After my last post on the Partouche Poker Tour electing to ignore a published guarantee, the people in charge either decided that the horrible publicity was bad or their attorneys let them know that French law on false advertising might … Continue reading →

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Flying 5,400 Miles and Finding an $882,000 Shortfall in a Prizepool Isn’t a Good Thing

Posted on September 5, 2012 by Russ

There’s a major poker tournament going on in France: The Partouche Poker Tournament Main Event. It had a €5 million guaranteed prize pool. Based on the actual number of entrants, the prize pool ended up being around €4.3 million. Normally … Continue reading →

Posted in Gambling, International | 2 Comments

Illinois Casino Expansion Bill Vetoed

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Russ

Governor Pat Quinn (D) vetoed a casino expansion bill that would have added five casinos, including one in Chicago. His veto message stated that the biggest problem with the bill, “[I]s the absence of strict ethical standards and comprehensive regulatory … Continue reading →

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German Court to Decide Whether Poker Is Taxable for a Professional

Posted on August 23, 2012 by Russ

In 2011, Pius Heinz of Germany won the main event of the World Series of Poker and a nice tax-free $8,715,638. Well, maybe it’s not tax-free. Via @Taxdood and @Taxnews1 comes word that a German court in Cologne will be … Continue reading →

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DOJ Settles Civil Claims Against PokerStars & Full Tilt Poker; Full Tilt Balances to be Refunded to US Players; Settlement with Absolute/UB Also Referenced

Posted on July 31, 2012 by Russ

News came out this morning that the long-rumored deal that would have PokerStars acquire Full Tilt Poker, agree to pay the DOJ $731 million (the rumored amount was $750 million), and pay back players while settling the civil charges it … Continue reading →

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