[OnTheWayUp]

Online Gaming Question

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What types of problems would I run into if I made a game almost like deal or no deal, and if you win, you get paid a dollar, no cost to play, and play as many times as you would like. The average game would last about 5-10 minutes.

I know the game would have to be checked for integrity, but I don't know what's the next step.

Do you think I would lose money? I don't want to explain the total game, but it would be easy and fun for everyone, with the chance to build a bankroll for either cash or prizes. Without going into detail it's like deal or no deal meets who wants to be a millionaire.

But any suggestions or comments would be appreciated.

Thanks

[kiddoso]

What's the probability of a player winning a game?

[OnTheWayUp]

About 5-10 percent to earn a dollar,
10-15 percent to earn points towards prices
but you earn small amounts of points towards prices along the way.
It gets harder as you go up.

[jasaunders]

There are lottery and prize laws that differ in all 50 states, you would need to research what the laws are. Besides that, there are already sites doing this like Pogo and iWon.

[ADVERTISE HERE!]

I think the key is whether contestants are required to pay for an opportunity to win at a game of chance.

Many gaming sites operate by letting contestants play for free but win prizes that are donated by advertisers or money that is a portion of advertising revenues.

I believe that the law either has just changed or is preparing to change, with regard to online gaming.

Interesting topic.

[OnTheWayUp]

It would be totally free for anyone. I think the chance to play as many times as you want and with each play the chance to earn cash and points towards cash and prizes would draw vistors to the site. The game is very addicting and no one else has a game like this. Iwon.com and pogo.com have "chances" or drawings for cash. People would play this game knowing that there is a chance to win cash on every turn they take at this game.

[jasaunders]

What he is refering to is not online gambling (if players aren't risking their own money), which is illegal. But just distributing prizes has legal implications on its own, even if donated by advertisers. That's why when you enter a contest, or see one, there is a lot of fine print associated with it. Different states have different rules.

You would need to have a lawyer investigate these when moving forward.