Illinois players, legality of poker

[MasterLJ]

I know there are quite a few well known pros from Illinois (Muddywaters, Taylor Caby etc) and I was wondering what the law states regarding online poker.

To make a long story short I'm thinking of moving there to be closer to my son. I've done some research and it seems pretty clear IL is against online poker and even live games (there was a recent story in the news of a college $20 homegame tourny being raided by no less than 3 undercovers), however it seems that there is a carve out for games of skill.

So what is the law? Are any of you IL residents still playing online? Are there any neighboring states that are more lenient (especially WI since my son lives very close to the border).

Any/all help is appreciated.

Thanks!

[KEW]

This site may help you out..

http://www.gambling-law-us.com/State-Law-Summary/

[iron81]

One thing about Illinois is that you can't deduct gambling losses from your state income tax. So your gross poker income is basically just your winning sessions.

[Ron Burgundy]

[ QUOTE ]
One thing about Illinois is that you can't deduct gambling losses from your state income tax. So your gross poker income is basically just your winning sessions.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is if you file gambling winnings as "other income." If you're filing as a pro, you can just report the net gain like any other state.

[Grisgra]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
One thing about Illinois is that you can't deduct gambling losses from your state income tax. So your gross poker income is basically just your winning sessions.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is if you file gambling winnings as "other income." If you're filing as a pro, you can just report the net gain like any other state.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, my understanding is that you need to still report gross winnings -- losses count as deductions, though, and you end up paying taxes on the net.

[Skallagrim]

Forget about taxes, in Illinois playing any game of CHANCE OR SKILL for money is illegal (a misdemeanor). Bet $10 on the golf course: CRIME. Play bridge for penny a point: CRIME.

The exception is "bone fide contests of skill." This may apply to a properly structured poker tournament. It is the only exception.

Illinois law does not specifically say playing the game on the internet is illegal, but thats a technicality that I certainly would NOT recommend relying on.

Illinois sucks for poker players.

Skallagrim

[MiltonFriedman]

'You're not from Chicago."*

--- Eliot Ness character in The UnTouchables

I do not think that there is a lot of enforcement risk; there are plenty of underground games. Also, online play is readily available. Finally, there is local, legal casino play. look at the Brick & mortar forum for threads.

(* meaning, "What you consider improper is irrelevant, because conduct is to be judged by Chicago standards." Here, as with obscenity, local standards may apply differently than in other jurisdictions. I really doubt there is much local appetite for prosecution of players.)

[Skallagrim]

Quoting from Elliot Ness is quite appropriate here. It reminds all of us (or at least should) of the rampant idiocy of having laws on the books that no one in their proper mind ever intends to really enforce or that ever could be really enforced.

But just like most folks during prohibition did not get busted for their occasional beer (supplied by a certain Mr. Capone usually), it was still illegal.

[PLO8FaceKilla]

Post deleted by Mat Sklansky

[MasterLJ]

Thanks for the links/input... seems Dubuque IA is the answer, only 100 miles from my son.

[Ron Burgundy]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
One thing about Illinois is that you can't deduct gambling losses from your state income tax. So your gross poker income is basically just your winning sessions.

[/ QUOTE ]

This is if you file gambling winnings as "other income." If you're filing as a pro, you can just report the net gain like any other state.

[/ QUOTE ]

Actually, my understanding is that you need to still report gross winnings -- losses count as deductions, though, and you end up paying taxes on the net.

[/ QUOTE ]

When I stared filing as a pro, my EA only asked me for the net. But I still record my results of every session, in case I get audited.