If I use PokerStars software in the US (not in NJ or Penn) only to play a private, free game (no money), is that legal?
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Don't believe so. I believe to use Stars you must be within those states.– Grinch91 ♦Apr 14, 2020 at 12:37
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2 Answers
pokerstars.net is something that I use for friendly play-money tournaments within the states (CA to be exact). It is 100% legal to play any kind of poker in the US given that there is no real money involved whatsoever.
There is no ban on the software, you can even download and play poker for play money on pokerstars NJ/NV. The illegality comes from using real money, which is impossible to do without violating TOS on stars anyways (given you are in the US).
https://professionalrakeback.com/Offshore-USA-Friendly-Online-Poker-Sites-Guide
this is a site I like to refer to for laws regarding online poker on a state-by-state basis (specifically the section entitled "state-specific gambling information"). Of course this is not an official government site, if you would like official government information about the legality of a specific game you are thinking of playing/running, I would suggest giving your state gaming commission a call and asking specifically if what you are planning is legal or not. It requires a bit of hoop jumping to reach someone able to answer your questions (at least for California) but if you are really interested in finding official government information then that is the best way to go.
I think it is not legal to play on Stars in such a situation, but you have plenty of other play money apps that you can choose from, so why take the risk?
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No money, I've got to think that is 100% legal regardless of the state. Why would it not be legal to play a private tournament on PokerStars for no money? Please link a source if you're going to say it is illegal. Thanks. May 2, 2020 at 21:25